Soccer legend helps get charity runners under starter's orders for next Leeds 10k

Leeds United legend Eddie Gray and three charities yesterday urged people to don running shoes and get training for a 10-kilometre charity run which has raised a fortune for good causes.

More than 38,500 people have taken to the streets since the first Leeds 10k was set up by fund-raiser and cancer sufferer Jane Tomlinson in 2007.

Yesterday Jane's widower Mike and Leeds 10k supporter Eddie Gray joined three partner charities to promote next year's run on Sunday, June 19, which will mark the event's fifth anniversary.

The three partner charities are Yorkshire Cancer Research, the Alzheimer's Society and Leeds Children's Hospital Appeal.

Jacquie Cross. of the Leeds Children's Hospital Appeal, said: "Many of our supporters want to take part in something which is both challenging and fun to do. As we are lucky enough to have been part of the Leeds 10k event from the start we are able to offer those supporters just that.

"We cover their stories in our newsletters, encouraging them to better their time year on year or to use their training sessions for team building or social gatherings – the feedback we get is fantastic.

"Funds raised from the Leeds 10k 2010 have enabled Leeds Children's Hospital to make dedicated areas including children's theatres and children's X-ray areas child and family friendly. We are looking forward to supporting our participants in 2011 as this event gets even bigger and better."

Ellie Whitfield, of the Alzheimer's Society, said it relied on voluntary donations to continue its vital work.

"By becoming a partner charity in the Leeds 10k we can support people to live well with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow.

"At the moment 1 in 3 people over 65 will die with dementia. Every runner who takes part in the Leeds 10k for Alzheimer's Society will make a real difference to people with dementia, so sign up now and choose to run for Alzheimer's Society."

Money from the Leeds 10k has already made a huge difference to people's lives.

Alyson Wort, of West Yorkshire children's hospice Martin House, said: "Over the last four years the Leeds 10k has raised nearly 250,000 for the hospice.

"This amazing amount has funded 500 weekends at the hospice for our families to receive specialist one to one care for their child."

Entries before December 31 receive a 5 discount. Details at www.runforall.com