Families' mile of fun in the sun
8:38am Monday 26th March 2012 in Your Town
THE Running Reverend, fairy princesses and even a group of Morphs joined hundreds of people to give Sport Relief a run for its money.
The sun shone on around 700 people who gathered at Leverhulme Park yesterday to take part in the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile.
Bolton's mile run was one of many up and down the country to raise money to help transform the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities across the UK and in some of the world's poorest countries.
Among those cheering on the runners and walkers was 10-year-old Harry Tannahill, who in February was diagnosed with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
His football team Oxford Grove and relatives, including his brother Sam, aged 13, were taking part.
Harry said: "It's brilliant to see everyone running. I am supporting them all, especially my brother."
Mum Karen, who lives in Heaton with her family, said: "The money raised will go to Sport Relief and also to Harry to decorate his bedroom. It's so overwhelming to have all this support, really wonderful."
The reason for why the 700 people were taking part in the mile, three-mile or even six-mile event, was not lost in the fun atmosphere.
Katie Riggs, aged seven, from Bromley Cross, said: "I am so proud that I did this, it is my first run. The reason for doing it is to raise money for those people who need help."
Her friend Isabella Banks, aged eight, also from Bromley Cross, added: "We encouraged each other, and ran holding hands."
Ian Riggs, Katie's dad, added: "I am so proud of my daughter running for Sport Relief. It is very important that children are aware of why they are taking part."
Harwood Methodist Church vicar, the Rev Ian Smart, ran in his full robes.
He said: "It was hot! I was dared to run in my robes. It was a wonderful event. You were talking to people you had never met, and everyone was encouraging everyone on."
First across the line was Lewis Linaker, aged 15, from Westhoughton, and first girl was Sophie Green, aged 10, from Astley Bridge.
Lewis said: "I had no idea I'd be the first to cross the line. It was good that I was doing this for charity, rather than for myself, because I am a sprinter."
Andrew Farnworth, aged 20, from Chorley, dressed as a Morph to run with his friends from Bolton and his hometown. He said: "I thought at the time it would a funny idea, but it was so hot. We did the three miles, I don't think we could have managed six in these outfits."
Steve Bailey, events coordinator at the council, said: "The Sport Relief Mile has brought the people of Bolton together and showcased Leverhulme Park.
Bolton United Harriers designed the course and they have been great."
Karly Baguley, from Bolton Community Leisure Trust, added: "It's been three months in the planning but worth it. It also marks the start of Bolton 2012 Calendar."
The sum so far raised for Sport Relief is £52,070,587— around £23 million more than last year's total—and is still rising.
● Sporty tots at Shining Stars Nursery in Farnworth rose to the challenge for Sports Relief.
More than 60 children, aged four months to four years, took part in a sponsored obstacle course on Friday. Staff at the centre constructed a fun course including balancing games, tunnels and bikes.
Manager Gillian Franklin said: "We're really proud of all the children and hope to raise a few hundred pounds for Sport Relief."
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