Night marathon ready to shine

OLDHAM shoppers looking for perfect Christmas presents can buy family or friends a unique gift — a place in the first ever Shine event for Cancer Research UK.

Shine is the charity’s first night-time walking marathon in Manchester on April 17, 2010.

The city will be illuminated for an inspirational procession of light. It will take in landmarks such as Old Trafford, Manchester Town Hall and Cancer Research UK’s Paterson Institute in Withington.

The £30 entry fee will help fund vital research into a disease which affects one in three Brits at some stage in their lives.

Shine is a fund-raising first for Cancer Research as participants will be able to decide which type of cancer they want to raise money for.

They can choose from 12 different scientific research areas — or give their backing to the charity’s overall work.

Shine is open to anyone over 16 and entrants can choose to walk either a 13 or 26-mile route.

Organisers are hoping 5,000 volunteers will sign-up and raise more than £1 million.

Event manager Jayne Leggat said: “The idea of buying the entry fee for a loved one as a Christmas present is particularly special.”

To enter, visit the website at www.cancerresearchuk.org/shine .