Record turnout for Beechwood runners

Beechwood's Team Kirsty
Beechwood's Team Kirsty

Beechwood Cancer Care Centre had a record 96 runners in the Great Manchester Run, raising between £18,000 and £20,000.

The fastest runner for Team Beechwood was Barrie Charnley, 40, from Beechwood’s event sponsors Brown Shipley.

He crossed the finish line in just 39 minutes and 54 seconds, placing him at 325th overall.

Second was Geoff Tolson, 31, who came in at 42:24, with the fastest female runner for Beechwood named as 27-year-old Catherine Peach, who did it in 48:16.

Among the team was also Beechwood’s chairman Alan Baxter, 66, who finished the race in one hour and 11 minutes.

People took part in the race for Beechwood as individuals and as teams – one such team was Team Kirsty led by Scott Cooke.

He was joined by friends and family of his wife Kirsty, who is battling cancer and a patient at Beechwood.

Angela Gray, fundraising manager at Beechwood, said: “The Great Manchester Run is always a fabulous day.

“The streets were lined with supporters and I would like to say a huge thanks to all of Team Beechwood for supporting us.

“There were lots of inspirational stories and reason to run and each and every person that took part has helped to make a difference to our patients and their families.”