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Our Helen is the first out of the blocks

13/ 5/2008

OBSERVER reporter Helen Johnson is the first up to raise cash for our Can You Spare a Minute? campaign.

Helen is running in the BUPA Great Manchester 10km run on Sunday and is hoping to raise around £200.

So far she has raised £143 for Springhill Hospice through her online sponsor form.

Helen said: "I did the 10k last year and was planning to do it again, but hadn’t decided which charity to run for. It was important for me to choose a relatively small charity that would really benefit from anything I could raise. When we were told about the Can You Spare a Minute? campaign, it was the obvious choice for me.

"Everyone has been very supportive so far, but I’m keen to break the £200 mark at least and would be delighted if readers sponsored me for any amount they can afford.

"Staff at the Aquarius Yoga Foundation in Kingsway have very kindly offered to display one of my sponsor forms in their studio and I’d love to hear from anyone else who would be willing to do the same thing for me.I’m really looking forward to taking part in the run now. There are only a few days to go, but I’ll still be collecting sponsorship money even after it’s over."

Details of sponsored events other reporters are planning will appear in the Observer over the coming weeks and months.

Sponsoring Helen could not be easier. Go to www.justgiving.com/therunningreporter and follow the instructions about how to donate.

Alternatively, a sponsor form can be found in the Rochdale Observer editorial reception, off School Lane.

Helen can be contacted on 01706 354321 ext 320.

Click here for the latest on our hospice appeal ...