Emmerdale star Chris Bisson is putting on his running shoes to join people from across Greater Manchester in a special challenge to raise money for St Ann’s Hospice.
The actor has pledged to take part in the charity’s Sixty in 60 challenge, which was devised by long-term supporter Mitchell Brough.
The challenge sees the hospice appealing for over sixty people to join Chris and Mitch to take part in this year’s Great Manchester Run – and for each participant to aim to finish the 10km run in 60 minutes.
Chris said: “St Ann’s is a really special place that’s been looking after our community for nearly 50 years.
“It’s difficult to explain just how wonderful St Ann’s is and I’m hoping that by raising awareness as well as money, I can help spread the word about how St Ann’s is a warm, welcoming place that wraps its arms around people when they’re at their most vulnerable.
“Although the care to patients and families is completely free, it actually takes a huge amount of money to be able to do that.
“I’m hoping that everyone will get behind us on this run and we can try and make a real difference – I’m hoping to rope in some of my Emmerdale and Corrie colleagues to.”
Challenge organiser Mitchell Brough, from Fallowfield has done the Great Manchester run six times in aid of the hospice.
He explained how he came up with the idea: “I wanted to find a really creative way to inspire as many people as possible to join Team St Ann’s and take part in the run this year, and I think that the Sixty in 60 challenge will do just that.
“If 60 people each raise £200 it will mean £12,000 for the hospice, which I know will make a huge difference to the local patients they care for.”
How to get involved
The hospice is asking anyone interested in joining Chris and Mitch at the run on Sunday, May 19, as part of the Sixty in 60 challenge to apply via the website at www.sah.org.uk/sixtyin60 or by calling 0161 498 3631.
Team members will receive free entry into the run, with the charity asking that they try to raise a minimum of £200 in sponsorship.
They’ll also have the opportunity to train with some of the other team members before the run, will receive a free #TeamStAnns running vest and a special fundraising pack.
There’ll also be a post-race reception for the Sixty in 60 team at a venue in the city centre to celebrate completion of the run.
For more information, or to sign up to join Chris and Mitch, please visit www.sah.org.uk/sixtyin60 or call 0161 498 3631.
