A host of famous faces have signed up for the Bupa Great Manchester Run to raise money for The Christie on May 15.
David Threlfall, best known for playing Frank Gallagher in Channel 4’s drama series Shameless will be one of the celebrities running for the cancer centre in the popular 10k event.
David is a long-standing supporter of The Christie, having backed a number of its fundraising campaigns and events.
He said: “The Christie has such a phenomenal reputation around the world and we’re so lucky to have it here in Manchester.
“Having known people who have battled cancer and been treated at The Christie, it’s my honour to be taking part in this run. The staff do an amazing job, and this is one way we can support them.”
Head of corporate fundraising and sporting events, Jenny Haskey said she was delighted to hear that David Threlfall was taking part in the run in aid of their charity.
She said: “He’s such an iconic Manchester star and a distinguished film, stage and television actor, so to have his support is such an honour.”
Also running for the charity will be singer Shayne Ward, actress and model Gemma Atkinson and Joy Division and New Order’s Peter Hook.
Peter who ran for the charity last year says it is a great cause that touches a lot of people, and he is honoured to be running the race again.
He said: “My aunty is undergoing treatment at the moment at The Christie and she’s glowingly appreciative of the care and treatment she’s receiving.
“I was born and bred in Salford and Manchester and I know what vital and life-saving work is done every day for cancer patients at The Christie.
“I will be running for all cancer patients, especially my dear friends of the late Tony Wilson and Dave Dee.”
Ex-Hollyoaks actress, Gemma Atkinson, who is originally from Bury said she is proud to be running for such a great cause.
She said: “Being from Manchester, The Christie is extremely close to home so I’m extremely proud to support it.
“Everyone knows someone affected by cancer so the more we can do, to help find a cure, the better.”
CHARITY BID: Peter Hook and Gemma Atkinson
Shayne Ward, who rose to fame as the winner of the second series of The X Factor, also praises The Christie for all its hard work.
He said: “Since winning The X Factor, I’ve travelled all over the world with work, but Manchester is and will always be my home.
“The Christie is a proud part of Manchester’s history and future so I’ll be running with pride in my Christie t-shirt on May 15.”
Other celebrities who have also signed up to the run for The Christie include Ryan Thomas (Coronation Street’s Jason Grimshaw) and Shameless stars Rebecca Atkinson, Ben Batt and Ciaran Griffiths.
DOING HIS BIT: Shayne Ward
Thousands of participants have run for The Christie since the Great Manchester Run was launched in 2003, but for the first time ever it has been selected as the main local charity.
Money raised will help The Christie fund cancer research and extra patient services that fall outside the remit of NHS funding.
Last year’s run managed to raise £500,000 for the hospital, this helped the organisation move forward with world class projects such as its new £35 million treatment centre which houses the largest early clinical trials unit in the world.
The 10k run will begin from 10am on Portland Street near the junction with Oxford Street while the finish line is on Deansgate.
If you would like to sponsor some of the celebrities participating please visit their sponsor pages below.
www.justgiving.com/DavidThrelfall
