Fans of the music legend Tony Wilson are being urged to sign up for a new 10k run in his memory and raise money for The Christie.

TV presenter Gordon Burns launched the 'Tony Wilson Appeal' alongside Christie consultant Professor Robert Hawkins who treated the late Factory Records' boss during his battle with kidney cancer. They were joined by The Christie's chief executive Caroline Shaw and Mike Tomlinson - husband to the late inspirational fundraiser and breast cancer patient Jane Tomlinson.

The new Jane Tomlinson Pennine Lancashire 10k event is taking place on Sunday 11th July in Blackburn. It follows in the footsteps of other 10k events, set up by Jane Tomlinson.

The run is based on the same principles as all 'Run For All' events - a not for profit, community event which encourages people of all abilities to take part and raise money for whatever cause is important to them.

Money raised from people who sign up for The Christie and the Tony Wilson Appeal will help pay for ground-breaking research, new building developments, vital equipment and extra patient services such as counseling and complementary therapies.

Tony's partner Yvette Livesey could not be at the launch, but said: "I'm pleased that Tony's name can be used in such a positive way. Tony and I experienced the vital and important work that is undertaken at The Christie and I'm hoping that out of such a tragedy we can work to make others in the future have a hopefully happier prognosis.

"That the Tony Wilson Appeal is going to be dovetailed with the Pennine Lancashire 10K is perfect as it will hopefully showcase a region to which we have close ties. I hope that people will support Tony by running the 10K and raising much needed money for The Christie."

New Order's Peter Hook is also backing the appeal set up in memory of his friend.

To sign up and for more information contact the sporting events team on 0161 446 3400 or visit www.christies.org/events

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