Steve Harmison lauches Greggs Children’s Cancer Run

Feb 4 2010 by Laura Caroe, The Journal

ASHES hero Steve Harmison is urging hundreds of people to support a charity cancer run.

Steve, known as the Ashington Express, was part of the England team that saw off Australia last summer, officially launched the 28th Gregg’s Children’s Cancer run alongside comedian Brendan Healy and Newcastle United legend Paul Bracewell.

He hopes organisers will be bowled over with the number of applicants getting behind the North of England Children’s Cancer Research fund, which has so far raised around £5m.

The 31-year-old fast bowler said: “The money raised helps so many people, not only in the North East but all over the world so it is very important that people take part. The more people that can back the run and take part, the further vital research can hopefully go, to help provide better and more effective medication.”

The run was started when the then schoolboy Chris Peacock was diagnosed with cancer of the kidney and was given a 30% chance of survival. It raises money for the North of England Children’s Cancer Research Fund.

His headmaster at King’s School in Tynemouth, North Tyneside, Colin Gregg – a member of the Gregg’s bakery family – found out about Chris and set up a fundraising run to help children who were in a similar situation.

Chris made a full recovery, and has since taken part in the run every year. He is now chairman of the committee. The 36 year old said: “The race is for anyone and everyone. It will be a real family day where we will aim to raise as much money as possible.