Boon Army up and running

Oldham-born DJ and Inspiral Carpets keyboards man Clint Boon with his running mates - Peter Hook and Charlie Boon

OLDHAM DJ Clint Boon is to lead an army of celebrity runners to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

The Inspiral Carpets’ keyboard player and XFM presenter will take part in the Great Manchester Run in support of the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and St Mary’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.

In April 2012, Clint’s daughter Luna Bliss died at 34 days old. Clint has so far raised £37,000 for the St Mary’s unit that cared for her.

Clint said: “I’ve been DJing on the Boon Army stage at the half-way point of the Great Manchester Run for several years now. Hand on heart, it’s always the highlight of my DJing calendar.

“It’s hard to put into words the overwhelming feeling of seeing over 40,000 people devoting so much energy, passion and love into their various personal causes. Each runner has a special and unique story.

“This year will be extra special for myself and the Boon family. For the first time, my wife Charlie and my close friend Peter Hook will be leading the Boon Army team of runners in memory of our baby girl Luna Bliss.

Heading the Boon Army will be Joy Division and New Order guitarist Peter Hook: “I’ve been doing the Great Manchester Run for nine years and I am thrilled to be running for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity this May.”

The Great Manchester Run is being held on Sunday, May 10 and is now open for entries. Each year more than a quarter of a million runners take to the streets of Manchester in Europe’s largest 10k run.

Anyone keen to take part can email: charity.events@cmft.nhs.uk or call 0161-276 4522.