MORE than 400 charity runners raised cash in memory of murdered schoolboy Joe Geeling.

They took to the streets of Bury to remember Joe , 11, a cystic fibrosis sufferer who was stabbed to death in March 2006.

Runners of all ages took part in yesterday's five-mile race, which has become an annual event.

They have been collecting cash for the Joe Geeling Trust, a charity set up by Joe's parents, Tom and Gwen.

It is raising money for the New Children's Hospital Appeal and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, two charities close to their hearts.

Joe's fund now stands at about £165,000. A charity ball at Manchester's Midland Hotel recently attracted support from comedian Peter Kay, Coronation Street's Tupele Dorgu and William Roache and ex-Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce.

The runners started at the Bolholt Country Park Hotel, in glorious sunshine.

They set off through hotel grounds and headed along Walshaw Road, Lowercroft Road, Staling Road, Bolton Road and Newbold Street. They also passed Whitehead Park, where Joe's body was found.

They then gathered at the hotel for a barbecue and music.

Vicky McLeod, assistant manager at the Bolholt Country Park Hotel, said: "We were chuffed to bits to see so many people taking part.

"We don't know how much has been raised, but more than 400 people took part, so we know it's been a very successful day."

Joe's death at the hands of 15-year old Michael Hamer shocked the country. Hamer, a fellow pupil of Joe's at St Gabriel's RC High School, used a wheelie bin to dump his body in the town's Whitehead Park.

He is serving a minimum sentence of 15 years after Appeal Court judges in London rejected the original 12-year sentence as unduly lenient.

Click on the related article link on the right to read about Feast Festival in honour of stabbed dad Michael Kahan.