Fun runners dig deep for children's charity

10:21am Tuesday 13th January 2009

By Dale Haslam

FOOTBALL fans from community-run club FC United have put their best foot to raise cash for a Prestwich-based children’s charity.

More than 100 of the Bury-based team’s supporters took part in a 5.8km family fun run in October at Chorlton Water Park raising £20,000, which has been split between the club and MedEquip4Kids.

Club staff will present the cheque to MedEquip4Kids deputy director Ghazala Baig before their league match against Prescot Cables on Saturday, January 17.

The ‘minithon’ event was the latest in a series of partnerships between FC United and the charity.

It was started by paralympian Matt Walker, of Marple, who won five medals at the Beijing Olympics last summer.

Afterwards, the hardy runners rested their tired feet in a fun day at Chorlton Irish Club, with all proceeds from that event added to the total.

MedEquip4Kids is spending the £10,000 on a new ventilator for the North Manchester General Hospital women and children’s unit. It is used to stabalise the breathing of children in the high dependency unit.

Mrs Baig said: “The support we have had from FC fans has been incredible and the amount of money raised has far surpassed our expectations.

“MedEquip4Kids would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the last few months and to know that their hard work is allowing us to ensure children and babies are receiving the best care possible when in hospital."