United in sport and friendship

September 24, 2009

CHARITY, sport and friendship will be the winners at FC United's minithon on Sunday, 18 October.

More than 300 people will be taking part in the 3.6-mile run starting at Chorlton Green.

And supporters of the breakaway club will be running with Rochdale Hornets fans to see who can raise most money.

There is still time to take part with half the proceeds of the run going to Medequip4kids and the other half to the participating clubs.

There will also be a supporting run in Italy with FC Torino supporters taking part in a similar run.

FC United general manager Andy Walsh believes the events for charity can only benefit both clubs and cement friendships forged over years.

He said: “Last year's Minithon was a great success and one we wanted to build on this year. With Torino and Rochdale Hornets on board we are certainly doing that”

While 300 Italian Torino supporters will be running in the scenic footholds of the Italian Alps, their Manchester challengers will be racing or jogging around leafy Chorlton Meadows besides the River Mersey.

FC United will be making sure they have stars of stage and screen joining their efforts. They include Looking for Eric film star, Steve Evets and James Quinn from the TV comedy series, Early Doors.

People across Greater Manchester are invited to participate and support either the team from Rochdale, the Manchester rebels or, if they want to travel to Turin, the Toro club.

As a gesture of thanks, all those entering for FC United are being offered a free ticket to an FC home league fixture of their choosing. And the Hornets are offering their backers a free ticket to the their first home game in the new rugby league season.

Key runners for FC United include labrador, Boru, who holds the record time for dragging a pet owner around the course. Boru will be running to win a new pet bed this year, while valuable prizes will go to the fastest runners, best fancy dress entrants and entrants with the best headgear. It is hoped to top the £18,000 raised last year.

Mike Hughson Medequip charity director said: “The funds raised through the Minithon event are vitally important in enabling MedEquip4Kids to continue to improve the health of injured and very poorly children in our local hospitals. All those that took part in the event last year will testify as to what a well organized and thoroughly enjoyable event it was. Sign on for the Minithon this year and we promise you another great day out.”

People wishing to participate in the event can register with Medequip4kids at www.medequip4kids.org or 0161 798 1600. Registration is £10 for adults and £5 for under 18s.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For comments and information about FC United please contact office@fc-utd.co.uk tel: 0161 273 8950 or go too www.fc-utd.co.uk

For comments from Rochdale Hornets please contact enquiries@hornetsrugbyleague.com tel: 01706 648004

1. MedEquip4Kids exists to improve healthcare for children and babies across the North West by providing specialist paediatric equipment.

2. We have spent more than £300,000 on vital medical equipment for children and babies across the region in the last twelve months.

3. To contact the charity, call 0161 798 1600 or email info@medequip4kids.org.uk

4. More information on individual projects at hospitals across the region are available via our website: www.medequip4kids.org.uk