A musician from two of Manchester's most legendary bands and an actress from the nation's favourite soap will join the thousands taking part in this year's Bupa Great Manchester Run for the Christie charity on Sunday 16th May 2010.

Joy Division and New Order's Peter Hook and Coronation Street's Katy Cavanagh who plays factory worker Julie Carp in the show, pledged their support as registration opened today, Thursday 7th January.

Thousands of participants have run for The Christie since the Great Manchester Run was launched in 2003, but for the first time ever it has been selected as the main local charity.

The 10 kilometre run through Manchester City Centre is one of the largest and most prestigious mass participation runs in the UK. Money raised will help The Christie fund cancer research and extra patient services that fall outside the remit of NHS funding.

Peter Hook said; "It will be an honour to take part in this year's Great Manchester Run for The Christie. I was born and bred in Salford and Manchester and I know what vital and life-saving work is done every day for cancer patients at The Christie.

"I will be running for all cancer patients, especially my dear friends the late Tony Wilson and Dave Dee. I hope everyone signs up to run in support of The Christie, a world leading cancer centre right here in Manchester.

"I had the time of my life when I ran last year. I thought I'd done everything, but the depth of love, hope and support shown on the day left me breathless. It was a great day for great people for a great cause, and very important to all of us."

Katy Cavanagh, from Bolton, said; "The work that The Christie does is invaluable to cancer patients, not just in the North West but up and down the country. It is a special place with a special atmosphere and that is so important when you are being treated for cancer, and rare alongside such innovative research.

"I have never done the Great Manchester Run before but I am really looking forward to it and it will be a privilege to run for The Christie."

Other celebrities who have also signed up to run for The Christie include Ryan Thomas, Coronation Street's Jason Grimshaw, actress and model Gemma Atkinson and Shameless stars Rebecca Atkinson, Ben Batt and Ciaran Griffiths.

Head of sporting events at the Christie charity, Jenny Haskey, said; "Registration for the run is now open, but places do go quickly so do act now to avoid disappointment. Visit www.greatrun.org and we'd be delighted if you choose The Christie as your chosen charity. All the money raised will help cancer patients now and in the future."

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