Cole’S Runners To Take On Manchester In Tribute

To join Cole’s Runners on the start line of the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run 10K, visit greatrun.org/Manchester

The family of a biker who died after a collision on Christmas Day will take part in the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run to pay tribute to a ‘happy chappy’ who had his whole life in front of him.

Twenty-one-year-old Cole Porter was riding his motorbike on December 25, 2017 when he was involved in a collision with a car in Partington. Cole was taken to Salford Royal Hospital following the smash, where he sadly died on Boxing Day.

Now, Cole’s sister Hannah has rounded up a team of 24 family and friends to take on the 10K at the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run on Sunday 20 May, in tribute to Cole and to raise money for the hospital that looked after him in his final hours.

Hannah, 26, said: “I mentioned last year that I was thinking about doing the run. I’m not a runner, so Cole found the thought hysterical. When I decided I wanted to raise money for the ICU unit, running seemed the perfect option, plus, I had to prove him wrong.

“I asked a few family and friends to see if they would like to join in – there’s 24 of us now and the numbers are growing, it really is going to be an event to remember.

“I hope the cause and what we’re doing it for will be the little push we need to get it done. We have a few people who will be looking for a fast time, but the majority will be starting together and finishing together.”

The team, named Cole’s Runners, are well on their way to raising a target of £7,000 for the Intensive Care Unit at Salford Royal Hospital.

And Hannah said: “It will be outstanding. We all want to do it together for Cole and the ICU at Salford Royal. They were outstanding with us. They deserve it. Hospitals don’t get the recognition they deserve, especially in situations like this.

“I am looking forward to the run, It’s a nice goal, a challenge and something we want to do for Cole and the hospital. I wouldn’t say I’m nervous, it should be an amazing experience.”

Cole’s family paid tribute to him, saying: “Cole was a chef, he’s worked at some great establishments from the age of 15, his brownies made him famous. He was such a happy chappy, he was really intellectual and clever, he wanted to know about lots of things.

“He was bright, he had hoped this year to go back to college, to go to university, he’d only just found his feet. But most of all he loved his bike, the motorbike gave him freedom and he was never happier than when he was riding.”

The Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run will see more than 30,000 people taking on the 10K and half marathon distance with a city centre start and finish featuring Manchester’s most iconic locations including Beetham Tower, Old Trafford, Etihad Stadium, the Imperial War Museum and the Coronation Street set.

To donate to Cole’s Runners, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/colesrunners

To join Cole’s Runners on the start line of the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run 10K, visit greatrun.org/Manchester