A REDDITCH man will be donning his walking shoes for an event to benefit young patients at the Alexandra Hospital.

Keith McHale, from Church Hill, will be doing a sponsored canal walk from Hopwood to Bromsgrove, in September, to raise money for the Kingfisher Ward.

He recently saw first-hand the care shown to children by staff on the ward.

His granddaughter, Angel Morton, became very ill and was rushed into the hospital where she was diagnosed with diabetes.

"It was such a worrying time as she was very sick," said Mr McHale.

"But the way the staff looked after Angel was beyond belief - quite staggering.

"I've nothing but good to say about all the Alex workers at all levels. I've personally needed their help a number of times and I just wanted to give something back to them for a change.

"We should help improve the children's ward and make it a wonderful place for staff and patients."

Pat Hadley, from the hospital's League of Friends, said: "It's fantastic when people decide to do things like this for the hospital.

"The amount raised will decide what we buy - it may go towards a big piece of equipment or two smaller pieces. We're very grateful."

Anyone who wants to join staff of the Redditch Advertiser, British Waterways and Your Choice caf in sponsoring Mr McHale can call 07762 203324.