Chesterfield mum set to brave 100-mile walking challenge with 18-week old son in pram – to support charity supporting children in poverty

Nicola Mullender, 37, of Chesterfield, has taken on a charity challenge to walk 100 miles in April to raise funds for Action for Children – a charity supporting families living in poverty.

The mental health nurse and hospital manager at Cygnet private hospital is set to complete the walk with her 18-week-old baby son Maximus Valentine Mullender in a pram.

They will be joined by Nicola’s French Bulldog Thor, who has walked alongside Nicola on other charity challenges in the past.

Nicola, who has lived in Chesterfield her entire life, said: “Since having my baby I felt so overwhelmed with love for him and it got me thinking about other children who aren’t so lucky – and how important a safe and supportive start in life is for every child.

"Knowing from my own experience as mental health nurse, most people who end up needing mental health services later on in life have not always had a very good childhood.

“Action for Children is a very good charity that helps families and children from young age and intervenes when it’s most needed, helping preventing problems.”

Nicola is taking on the charity challenge just few months after having a caesarean section at the end of November.

She said: “I started walking a week after having my C-section to build up muscle and recover as soon as possible.

"I thought since I’ve been walking that much, I could put two things together and do it for a good cause.”

Nicola, who is currently on maternity leave, has organised a number of charity events for Cygnet over the years – including the last year’s fundraiser for 4Louis, a charity supporting anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, and the death of a baby or child.

Nicola added: “I’ve always enjoyed fundraising with work, we choose different charities each year and it’s been great but this one hit home a bit more.

“When I’m back at work I’m going to continue to work with Action for Children on behalf of the hospital and the charity said they would come and do a presentation for our team about the work that they do.”

Anyone who can support Nicola’s fundraiser can donate via her 100 Pushchair Miles For A Stronger Start Just Giving Page.