Burnley stars help launch Pennine Lancashire 10K charity run

Emmerdale actress, Nicola Wheeler, came into Burnley town centre to promote the Jane Tomlinson 10K event.

Clarets star Marvin Bartley and Emmerdale actress Nicola Wheeler kicked off the countdown to the popular road race organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run for All.

Burnley FC manager Sean Dyche backed the charity race which will see thousands of runners take to the streets of the town this summer.

Burnley-born soap star Nicola, who plays Nicola King in the popular ITV show, said: “I’m really pleased to be back in Burnley to help launch the new Asda Foundation Run For All Pennine Lancashire 10K.

“It’s a great event for the town which will not only be a brilliant, fun day for thousands of runners but bring in lots of money for some really deserving local charities.

“I’m sure lots of people were inspired by Jane Tomlinson, and the amazing things she achieved, and I hope they will get out there, pull on their running shoes and get involved in the new Pennine Lancs 10K.”

Clarets boss Sean Dyche said: “Burnley FC is proud to be supporting what is certain to be a fantastic new event for the town.

“There’s already a great buzz about the new Pennine Lancashire 10K and I hope Burnley supporters will pull on their trainers and hit the streets to raise funds for a favourite charity.”

Emmerdale actress, Nicola Wheeler, came into Burnley town centre to promote the Jane Tomlinson 10K event. She is pictured with Tommo the Tortoise.

The Asda Foundation Pennine Lancashire 10K will take place on Sunday, 2nd June and follows a picturesque route around the town. It starts and finishes at the Mechanics Theatre in Manchester Road and takes in some of the town’s best-loved landmarks including Rowley Lake, Towneley Hall, Thompson Park and Turf Moor

Proceeds from the event will go to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, t he charity launched by the late campaigner and fundraiser who raised more than £1.85m by completing a series of endurance feats – including several marathons, an Ironman triathlon and 4,200-mile ride across America – despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer.

Speaking at the launch, Jane’s husband Mike, who was a season ticket holder at Turf Moor, said: “I am her because I like the town, I like the people and I like the area.

“We thought we could put something really special on in the town. I will strive my best to put the best event on that the town and everbody in Burnley can be proud of.”

Burnley Council Leader, Coun Julie Cooper, added: “We’re delighted that the Run For All is coming here to Burnley.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase the stunning countryside that we have both here and across Pennine Lancashire, and some of our award winning parks.

“It’s also about getting people from across the community to join together and raise money for both local and national charities, whilst getting fitter and healthier, and we’re confident that we will get a great turnout for this run.”

While Pennine Lancashire 10K runners can raise funds for any cause of their choice, they are encouraged to support one of the event’s partner charities, including: Pendleside Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Derian House Children’s Hospice, Sue Ryder, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Shine and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

Entries for the Pennine Lancashire 10K are open now and cost just £18. To sign up go to www.runforall.com