Mr Manchester 10k

Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date online: 07 June 2010

Wilson appeal launch

FANS of legendary Manchester music mogul Tony Wilson are being invited to lace up their trainers and join in with a “Run For All” 10k to raise money for The Christie Hospital.

BBC North-West presenter Gordon Burns launched the Tony Wilson Appeal alongside Professor Robert Hawkins, who treated the late Factory Records boss during his battle with cancer.

Wilson, who once owned the city’s iconic Hacienda nightclub, was affectionately known as “Mr Manchester” after catapulting the city to the forefront of the music scene in the 1990s.

Bands which led the way included Joy Division (later New Order) and The Happy Mondays — both signed by Wilson’s Factory Records. Before that, he made his name as a reporter and presenter on Granada TV.

He lost his brave battle with kidney cancer on August 10, 2007, at the age of 57. The appeal will be dovetailed with the Jane Tomlinson Pennine Lancashire 10k — in memory of the late inspirational fund-raiser and breast cancer patient — and takes place on Sunday, July 11, in Blackburn.

The appeal — backed by New Order’s Peter Hook — is based on the same principles as all ‘Run For All’ events — a not-for-profit, community event which encourages people of all abilities to take part and raise cash for whatever is important to them.

Tony’s partner Yvette Livesey said: “I’m hoping that out of such a tragedy we can work to make others in the future have a happier prognosis.”

Call 0161-446 3400 to register or visit www.christies.org/events.