Your Champions 2011: Miles of Smiles chairman in running for award

Oct 26 2011 by Katie Bamber, Chester Chronicle

A VOLUNTEER who has helped send dozens of sick, disabled and under privileged children on the holiday of a lifetime is in the running for a Your Champions award.

Mick Hughes, of Cawdor Drive, Chester, has been the chairman of the Miles of Smiles Appeal for 12 years, after becoming involved in the charity while working at The Chronicle.

“It keeps me busy. It’s 24 hours a day now. It’s grown and grown over the years,” said Mick, 61, who runs the charity from his home.

“But to actually see those kids get on those planes is very rewarding.”

Mick heads up a committee of volunteers, who organise regular fundraising events. All money goes towards sending deserving youngsters from Cheshire, Wirral and North Wales on holiday.

He added: “It’s a hell of a thing to have someone knock on your door and say ‘you’re going on an all expenses paid trip to Disneyland Paris’.”

Mick was put forward by Debra Wyness and fellow nominee John Jennings, who has raised thousands for Miles of Smiles by running marathons on treadmills outside supermarkets.

John said: “I have seen first hand what Mick does, the phone calls he makes, everything he does to raise money.”

To support Miles of Smiles, visit www.milesof

smileschester.com or call 01244 341957.