Thousands are raised for local charities at big run
THOUSANDS of runners took to the streets of Manchester at the weekend to raise millions of pound for charity.
The Great Manchester Run, Europe’s biggest 10km race, attracted 40,000 runners from across the region and further afield.
Among them were the 111 runners who raised an estimated £20,000 for the Beechwood Cancer Care Centre in Bridgehall.
Matt Skinner was the first across the line for Team Beechwood with an impressive 39.06 minutes, ranking him 268th overall.
Barrie Charnley, from team sponsors Brown Shipey, came a close second at just over 40 minutes.
The fastest woman was Kath Swallow, who clocked in at 52.44 minutes.
Actress Vickie Myers took time out of filming a Sky drama to push her brother Fran, who has cerebral palsy, for the full 10km.
They crossed the line at 56.12 minutes and plan to take part in ten more 10km races for the Beechwood Silver Wing Appeal.
Angela Gray, fundraising manager at Beechwood, said: “The Great Manchester Run is always very humbling, seeing so many people giving their time for charities. We are so proud of Team Beechwood and thank you to our sponsors Brown Shipley.”
A further 300 runners took on The Wellspring as their worthy cause.
The centre, on Harvey Street, offers support for the homeless and other disadvantaged people.
Former Manchester City star Paul Lake and his wife Joanne both fast- walked the route to raise vital funds for Jump Space.
Their 11-year-old son Edward has autism and is a regular user of the trampolining and sensory play therapy centre on Hardman Street in the town centre.
Paul, who has just had a knee replacement, crossed the line at a respectable one hour and 12 minutes, followed by Joanne five minutes later.
He said: “Not only was it a chance for me to test out my new knee replacement but it also gave Jo and I the opportunity to raise some vital funds for Jump Space.
“To date, more than £2,220 has been donated and we’d like to thank everyone for their support.”
Dad Damyon Garrity from Heaton Moor ran in memory of his son Lucas for charity Braintrust.
The seven-year-old died of a brain tumour last year.