Soap Star and Soccer Players launch Pennine Lancs 10K
The worlds of soccer and showbiz united today [Tuesday, 5th February] to kick off the countdown to a new event that’s in a league of its own.
The Asda Foundation Pennine Lancashire 10K, organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, is back on Sunday, 2nd June, after a three year break – and is set to be bigger and better than ever.
And today, Burnley-born Nicola Wheeler, who plays Nicola King in hit soap Emmerdale, teamed up with stars from Burnley Football Club, to officially open entries for the run – which is taking place in their home town for the first time.
Nicola said: “I’m really pleased to be back in Burnley to help launch the new Asda Foundation Run For All Pennine Lancashire 10K.
“It’s a great event for the town which will not only be a brilliant, fun day for thousands of runners but bring in lots of money for some really deserving local charities.
“I’m sure lots of people were inspired by Jane Tomlinson, and the amazing things she achieved, and I hope they will get out there, pull on their running shoes and get involved in the new Pennine Lancs 10K.”
Burnley FC’s manager Sean Dyche said: “Burnley FC is proud to be supporting what is certain to be a fantastic new event for the town.
“There’s already a great buzz about the new Pennine Lancashire 10K and I hope Burnley supporters will pull on their trainers and hit the streets to raise funds for a favourite charity.”
The Asda Foundation Pennine Lancashire 10K takes place on Sunday, 2nd June and follows a picturesque route around the town. It starts and finishes at the Mechanics Theatre in Manchester Road and takes in some of the town’s best-loved landmarks including Rowley Lake, Towneley Hall, Thompson Park and the home of Burnley FC, Turf Moor Stadium.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, the charity launched up by the late campaigner and fundraiser who raised more than £1.85m by completing a series of endurance feats – including several marathons, an Ironman triathlon and 4,200-mile ride across America – despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer.
Her family, who pledged to carry on her legacy, are now close to raising £5m in her memory.
While Pennine Lancashire 10K runners can raise funds for any cause of their choice, they are encouraged to support one of the event’s partner charities, including: Pendleside Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Derian House Children’s Hospice, Sue Ryder, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Shine and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.
The Pennine Lancashire 10K is sponsored by the Asda Foundation, Burnley Borough Council, the Burnley Express and 2BR.
Asda’s chief operating officer Judith McKenna said: “The Asda Foundation is delighted to be sponsoring the new Jane Tomlinson’s Pennine Lancashire 10K – it will be a great addition to Burnley’s sporting calendar.
“We can’t wait to see the packed starting line and we’re sure everyone will have a day to remember. We hope all the runners have a fantastic day and raise lots of money for their chosen charities.”
Burnley Council Leader, Coun Julie Cooper, said: “We’re delighted that the Run For All is coming here to Burnley and are looking forward to working with our partners to deliver a fantastic, successful event.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase the stunning countryside that we have both here and across Pennine Lancashire, and some of our award winning parks.
“It’s also about getting people from across the community to join together and raise money for both local and national charities, whilst getting fitter and healthier, and we’re confident that we will get a great turnout for this run.”
Susie Poppitt, Fundraising Manager at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “Situated in the heart of the community in Lancashire, Derian House provides specialist respite and end of life care for children throughout the region. As a charity receiving minimal statutory funding towards its £2.9 million annual target, we have to rely almost exclusively on our own efforts and the support of our friends in the wider community. fund its work.
“We are delighted, therefore, to be part of the Pennine Lancashire 10K Run, and look forward to recruiting enthusiast runners to our team.”
Emma Russ, Fundraiser for Sue Ryder, said: “"Sue Ryder are really excited to be one of the charity partners for the Pennine Lancashire 10K. It's a fantastic addition to the 10K series and one we feel will be really successful. By running with one of our special charity places you will be helping us to provide incredible care for people living with incurable illness.”
Joe McDermott, Challenge Events Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Macmillan is delighted to continue our involvement with the Run For All 10k series through being a partner charity in the Pennine Lancashire 10k. Macmillan could not provide the services it does without people taking on runs like the Pennine Lancashire 10k so we look forward to supporting Team Macmillan runners to help raise funds to provide essential services for people affected by cancer.”
Entries for the Pennine Lancashire 10K are open now and cost just £18. To sign up go to www.runforall.com
Ends
Notes to Editors
Run for All is part of the Jane Tomlinson’s For All Events umbrella, comprising runs, walks and swims. Proceeds from the events go to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, the legacy of the fundraiser and campaigner of the same name who raised £1.85m for children’s and cancer charities before her untimely death from cancer aged just 43 in 2007. She made headlines across the world by competing in a series of epic endurance challenges from the London Marathon, ironmen and triathlons, to a 4,200 mile cycle ride across the width of the US A – despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer.
Her family, through the For All Events organisation, are now on course to take that total to £5m in her memory.
For more information contact FAE senior press officer Vicki Robinson on 0113 826 7764 or email [email protected]