Pair put best feet forward to raise cash

TWO MANAGERS at a garden centre will be swapping their uniforms for their running gear when they take part in a 10K run next month.

Gary Kemp, general manager at Bridgemere Nursery and Garden World, near Nantwich, and Jonathan Tew, the horticultural manager, will be taking part in the City of Manchester 10K Run to raise cash for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice

Gary said: "I go running regularly, but I thought that the Manchester 10K would be a real challenge, as well as a great way of raising funds for one of our Charities of the Year. Jonathan will also be raising money for the North West Ambulance Service.

"I am hoping to complete the run in less than 60 minutes. I am currently managing it in 62 minutes, so I'm feeling confident."

The Douglas Macmillan Hospice, in Blurton, specialises in palliative care for adults in the community with life-limiting illnesses, such as cancer.

The hospice does not charge for the care and help it provides, and relies on voluntary donations and some statutory funding to meet its running and development costs.

The North West Ambulance Service treats and transports the ill or injured in the region. They are the only 24 hour provider of access to NHS services covering the entire North West region.

Gary added: "Jonathan and I want to raise as much money as possible for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice and the North West Ambulance Service, so we are appealing for people to come forward and sponsor us, so that we can help these very worthy causes. Anyone interested in sponsoring Jonathan or I should contact us at the garden centre."

More than 2,000 runners are expected to take part in this year's Manchester 10K run. The event takes place on Sunday, July 5.

For more information, or to sponsor Gary or Jonathan, call Bridgemere on 01270 521100.