Music legend Peter Hook and actress Gemma Atkinson brought a touch of rock and glamour as registration for next year's Bupa Great Manchester Run officially opened.
The two stars have pledged to take part in the 10 kilometre run on Sunday 15th May 2011 to help The Christie fund cancer research and extra patient services that fall outside the remit of NHS funding.
Alderley Edge resident Peter Hook said; "The run is such a great occasion and even better because it's for a great cause that touches a lot of people. My aunty is undergoing treatment at the moment at The Christie and she's glowingly appreciative of the care and treatment she's receiving."
They were joined at the launch for the run by Christie patients Chelsea Robb, 18 from Stockport and Steve Treweeks, 44 from Middlewich in Cheshire. Chelsea has been battling cancer since 2008 and has undergone surgery and chemotherapy; Steve, a father of three is now in remission after being diagnosed with a very rare form of abdominal cancer. The two have signed up to run next year in thanks for the care they have received.
A record 4,000 people took part in the Bupa Great Manchester Run for The Christie this year, its first as the official local charity, raising £500,000. Other celebrities who took part in aid of the cancer centre included local residents Denise Welch and Samia Smith.
Head of sporting events at the Christie charity, Jenny Haskey, said; "The Bupa Great Manchester Run is a massive and iconic event - a must-do on the Manchester calendar. The money that we raise from the event is unprecedented – it really does help make a difference to cancer patients and save lives.
"A record number of people took part for us in the 2010 race but we hope to go above and beyond that next year. We're extremely proud to be the official local charity for the Bupa Great Manchester Run and extremely thankful to everyone who continues to support us."
Registration for the run is now open, but places are expected to go quickly so act now to avoid disappointment and visit www.greatrun.org to register.
Photo: Peter Hook, patient Chelsea Robb, Gemma Atkinson, Liam Richards, patient Steve Treweeks.
