There ain't nothing like these Burnley dames

And the 5k race was won by Burnley man Ian Cock who took part with a group of colleagues from Veka plc and completed the course in a time of 10 minutes and 10 seconds.

The Burnley based company has chosen Derian House as its charity partner for the year and is taking part in all the hospice fund raising events along with organising many of its own.

From traditional pantomime dames, to Disney and fairy tale characters, 75 men turned frock stars for the day to show their moral support for the amazing Derian dads and raise much-needed funds for the hospice.

There were words of encouragement for them from star of hit TV comedy ‘Benidorm’ Sherrie Hewson, who started off the Dames on their route round Chorley’s Astley Park.

Sherrie, who has also appeared in ‘Loose Women’, ‘Coronation Street’ and as Mrs Slocombe in the new ‘Are You Being Served’ said: “It is fabulous to see so many people turning out to support Derian House. The thought and effort that has gone into creating many of these costumes is phenomenal.

“It’s only right that the Derian dads should be the stars for a day – albeit while wearing a frock! There are a few Dames here who could give Time Healy who plays Lesley in ‘Benidorm’ a run for his money!”

Among those taking part this year were several Derian dads, earning an extra-special round of applause as they crossed the finishing line.

Help to achieve that perfect look on the day was provided by media make-up students from Runshaw College, while fitness instructor Cheryl Forshaw led the Dames, most sporting wigs, through their warm-up routine to the sounds of ‘We Are Family’.

Head of fund-raising at Derian House Susie Poppitt said: “What an amazing spectacle our lovely Dames made! It was fantastic to see the amount of effort and planning that had gone in to so many of the costumes.

“What makes this event so extra-special is that it places our Derian dads at centre-stage. They’re often working quietly away in the wings, supporting their family through the most trying of times but at Dames on the Run their role is in the spotlight.”

Money raised from Dames on the Run helps to support children who are terminally ill or have life-limiting medical conditions both at Derian House and in their own home. It is at the forefront of children’s palliative and respite care in the North West and also offers on-going bereavement support to families.