HOSPITAL fundraiser Alisdair Templeton had bags of Dutch courage when he collected sponsorship money for a half marathon event in Amsterdam - before actually taking part in the event.

The 53-year-old raised £1,000 after touring local pubs. Now, the auxiliary Fairfield Hospital nurse has presented the money to the hospital's orthopaedic unit in wards eight and nine.

Alisdair, of Barnside Close, Walmersley, ran the half marathon in Amsterdam with his son Mark (23). The auxiliary nurse is something of a veteran when it comes to running and raising cash for good causes.

"Ive been running half-marathons and marathons for about 25 years for charity," he said.

"Before I did the Amsterdam half marathon, I went around a lot of pubs and got the sponsorship money."