More than 60 people, including two men from Sale and Timperley were special guests at an emotional event last week, held in celebration of the dedicated supporters who have helped raise thousands of pounds for The Christie by taking part in a running event.

A record 5,000 people have run for The Christie throughout the past 12 months in events such as the London Marathon, Great Manchester Run and New York Marathon, collectively covering a distance of over 35,000 miles - the equivalent of running around the world one and a half times. Money is still coming in but so far over £500,000 has been raised for the Christie charity.

Guest of honour at the 'thank you' event, which was held at The Christie's main site in Withington, was Manchester born Olympic gold medalist Darren Campbell who presented each runner with their medal. Celebrities Gemma Atkinson, Liam Richards and Becky Want, who have all ran for The Christie this year, also attended.

61 year old Ged Grady from Sale took part in the Great Manchester Run in May as a way of thanking The Christie for the care he has received since being diagnosed with prostate cancer on Christmas Eve in 2008.

Ged, whose wife Sylvia died in 1997, has since undergone brachytherapy, a highly specialised form of treatment for prostate cancer, as well as radiotherapy and is now receiving hormone therapy.

He said; "There's not a single person I know that hasn't been affected by cancer and that's why I wanted to do the Great Manchester Run.

"The care I've received has just been fantastic, and doing the run and raising money is just a small way of showing how thankful I am. It was also an absolute pleasure to meet the legend that is Darren Campbell, the other celebrity runners and of course staff at The Christie who work so hard."

Timperley's Keith Crosby, 69, also received a medal at the event after completing 58 half marathons, many in aid of The Christie. The active fundraiser now plans to take part in a further two half marathons next year, the same year he turns 70

He said; "My motivation for running has always been to not only keep fit, but to also raise money for people not as fortunate as ourselves.

"It was a pleasure to attend this event and meet so many strong and inspirational people. I really hope I manage to achieve my goal and hit the 60 half marathon mark next year!"

Sporting events officer at the Christie charity Emma Tilley, said; "Our 'Runner's Reception' is always an emotional and uplifting event. This year's was no different and we were thrilled to have Darren Campbell attend as our special guest. We were touched when he called all our runners 'heroes,' which is exactly what they are to us too.

"We never cease to be full of admiration for the lengths people go to and thanks sometimes just isn't strong enough a word.

"So to those who came to the event, and to those who couldn't make it, we really are truly grateful."

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