Slow And Steady At The Morrisons Great Manchester Run

Brooks Shoe Finder

Denise Welch will not mind in the slightest if she is closer to the back of the field than the front in the Morrisons Great Manchester Run.

A slow time for her and husband Lincoln Townley will mean the couple can enjoy even more time to chat to fellow runners and spectators along the 10k route.

The former Coronation Street and Loose Women star is one of several celebrities joining a field of up to 40,000 runners in the event on Sunday, May 10.

Denise is again raising funds for Teenage Cancer Trust after representing the charity in the event last year.

She said: "I haven't got a competitive bone in my body when it comes to running and to be honest the slower I go the more people I get chance to speak to – that's my excuse.

"It's a great occasion and we both love the challenge. Apart from the elite athletes, I don't think most people are too bothered about the time they finish in because for most runners it's about having a good time and raising money for good causes."

Denise joined celebrations to mark the first anniversary of the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital late last year.

She added: "Cancer touches everyone and for teenagers suffering such a cruel illness it's absolutely horrendous. It's tricky being a teenager anyway but it should be such an exciting time with their life stretched out before them.

"I've visited several Teenage Cancer Trust units and seen what a difference they make to the lives of remarkable people for whom illness is secondary to being a teenager. Importantly, they don't feel alone there."

Other celebs signed up for the Run include actress Tricia Penrose and husband Mark Simpkin, the TV presenter turned businessman;  ex footballers Phil Neville and Kevin Kilbane and musicians Peter Hook and Craig Potter.

Runners already entered for the Manchester Run who want to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust can visit www.teenagecancertrust.org

To enter go to www.greatrun.org/Manchester