Local Manchester Hero raises thousands for charity by walking in flippers

Craig Keatley, an Urmston resident, began walking wearing flippers to raise money for The Christie and other charities.

After wearing flippers for a fancy dress event, Mr Keatley was dared by his friends to walk in public, still wearing them. In the spirit of things, he agreed and so “Flipper man” was invented. In 2015, Mr Keatley put his love for the great outdoors to good use and began fundraising as he walked. To date he has raised approximately £18,000, mainly collected in a bucket on his walks and also online at JustGiving.

After losing his friend to cancer, Mr Keatley originally donated to The Christie. During one walk however, it became apparent that other smaller charities would benefit. One such is Bolton Community Kitchen; a charity that helps the homeless, vulnerable, and elderly in the community. Donations are turned into essential packages of food, toiletries, and clothes which are distributed at the kitchen where anyone in need can take one. From talking to the grateful recipients, it seems that most people had experienced a crisis in their life and somehow had lost their way. For some it was redundancy, others drug or mental health problems, but the Community Kitchen offers them a vital lifeline.

Mr Keatley himself benefitted too. After a period of ill health, he began to find strength and healing during his walks. Many people shared their stories, along with help and support. He was offered the kindness and generosity of strangers, plus receiving donations, notably during a time of financial hardship.

The volunteers at Bolton Community Kitchen cannot praise Mr Keatley enough. Annie Yates has worked alongside Mr Keatley for some time. She praised him saying “Craig is one of the kindest, most selfless men that I know, and I have the pleasure of calling him my friend”. She goes onto to say “Not all superheroes wear capes. Some wear flippers”.

Mr Keatley is currently enjoying a well-deserved rest, the donation page remains open.

The full interview can be found here

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