CELEBRITIES and fun-runners have been putting their best feet forward to raise money for Sport Relief.

Walkers and runners of all abilities were out in their droves for the charity event which took place in Manchester’s Albert Square this afternoon.

Singer Richard Fleeshman, Coronation Street actress Brooke Vincent – who plays Sophie Webster – and champion swimmer Steve Parry were among those who went under starter’s orders for the mile-long fun-run.

The event was officially started by Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell and around 5,000 runners took part throughout the afternoon.

Encouragement

Brooke Vincent said that the encouragement she received from the crowd helped her complete the race.

“When I got around half way round I was just shattered – but the run is in aid of such a good cause that I was determined to finish,” said Brooke, who ran with her parents and sister.

“The atmosphere is fantastic and people keep urging you on as you are running round - I’m really proud to have finished.”

It was the second time that Richard Fleeshman, 18, had completed Manchester’s Sport Relief run. “I just wanted to do anything I could to support Sports Relief – although I’ve never been less fit in my life,” he said.

“I been touring for some time now but I still managed to get round without stopping and I even managed to do roughly the same time that I did in 2006 – namely six minutes and 30 seconds.”

Injured

Darren Campbell told the crowd that he was unable to run himself because he had recently pulled a muscle playing football.

“But I was still determined to come down here today to lend my support to everyone else who is taking part,” he said
Since its launch in 2002, almost £50m has been raised through Sport Relief and all the money is used by Comic Relief to help vulnerable people living hard lives in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries.

“This event manages to combine people’s enthusiasm for exercise with the opportunity to raise money for charity,” added Olympic bronze medallist Steve Parry.

“The best part is that everyone taking part today knows that elsewhere in the country thousands more competitors are doing exactly the same as they are.”

Across the UK, 250 other runs took place throughout Sunday afternoon. Since Sport Relief began in 2002, £2,798,823 has been spend of projects in the north west.

These include The Benchill Community Sports Inclusion Project which used its funding to help 12 to 18-year-olds find access to affordable leisure and social activities.

In Bolton, the Kidz 2Gether scheme also received funding to help children with autism feel part of a team.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation should call 08457 910910.