Never run alone

JAKE Allingan (fourth from left), with fellow members of Warwick Unversity football club, arrive at Anfield

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A FOOTBALL team has drummed up more than £4,000 for two good causes after donning their running shoes for charity.

The Chronicle previously reported that organiser Jake Allingan (20) was taking part in a 32-mile ultra marathon in memory of his grandad Michael Allingan (73), from Moorside.

He and his team of 10 ended up running 42.5 miles on their route from Oldham Athletic's, SportsDirect.com ground to Liverpool's Anfield stadium after getting lost on the way.

But the committed Warwick Unversity football club raised a total of £4,175 through their efforts, to be shared equally between Mind and Mesothelioma UK, the asbestos-related cancer which took Michael's life.

Jake, from Halifax, said: "It's a great feeling knowing what we have achieved and that the money we raised through so many generous donors will be used for research and will help to save lives."

The runner was joined by dad Steven Allingan, grandma June Allingan and cousin Hannah Allingan who kept the team going by handing out water, chocolate, bananas and lots of encouragement.

It took the team just over 12 hours to complete the route.

June, from Moorside, said: "We were so incredibly proud of Jake for running that distance on the day, especially as the weather was horrendous.

"And it's brilliant that they were able to raise so much for these good causes."

She joked: "Jake might be good at the running but his navigational skills leave a lot to be desired.

"Given the fact that they actually ended up doing 42.5miles they were amazing and our families are so proud of them."