Two Coronation Street actors, Antony Cotton and Catherine Tyldesley, brightened up the morning of several cancer patients earlier today (Wednesday 9^th May) with a surprise visit to The Christie.

The two TV stars, who are both hard in training for the Great Manchester Run in aid of The Christie charity, brought along their personal trainer from M1Health, Matt Baker to show where their hard earned fundraising money would go to.

During the visit, the three of them chatted to Andy Smith, 27, who was diagnosed with stage 2 testicular cancer in June last year.  Andy has since been given the all clear and is now thanking the experts who looked after him by running in the Bupa Great Manchester Run (20^th May).  Andy swapped training tips with the stars and also received some expert pointers from the personal trainer.

Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully in Coronation Street, said:

"Catherine and I have been working with our trainers Matt and Sam, who are brilliant at whipping us into shape.  Coming here today has been a great way of spurring us on with our training and a reminder of the excellent work that goes on here.  Getting the opportunity to come in and chat to patients is amazing - especially as it gives us a break from both training for the run and filming!"

Catherine Tyldesley, who has become a household name playing Eva in ITV's soap, added:

"The Christie is such a unique place and as a local charity, we are both so proud to support it. The complementary therapy service that is offered at The Christie gives the patients so much comfort, so to be able to see these vital therapies first-hand was really special.  We're looking forward to the run and hopefully some big cheers from the spectators!"

Former patient, Andy, said:

"It's great to see Antony and Catherine providing such valuable support for the charity and I loved the training tips from Matt."

Kerry Kaill, who is from Saddleworth and is pictured here with her husband, Gary, at the Oak Road Patient Treatment Centre, said:

"This was so special and really made my morning.  They were both so charming and genuine, and clearly really cared.  I'm a life long Corrie viewer, so it was a lovely surprise!"

Personal Trainer Matt added:

"Seeing The Christie today was really inspiring.  I'm happy to help anyone training for a good cause like this, so please get in touch with us."

• Bupa Great Manchester Run will be live on BBC 20^th May

To donate to either of the stars, please visit their Just Giving pages:

• Antony Cotton
• Catherine Tyldesley

Antony and Catherine are being trained by personal training business M1Health

If running is not for you, there is a chance to raise money for The Christie and other important charities through the Daily Mirror Great Manchester Cycle 4^th June and/or British Gas Great Manchester Swim 1^st July:

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