A group of Altrincham runners have raised over £20,000 with a 5km run for The Christie Charity. 

They took to the treadmills at the Gym Group, Altrincham, to raise money for the Manchester-based cancer charity and hospital.

The 5km was organised by Altrincham vs Cancer, a local fundraising community created by Alex McCann, and has raised £22,500 so far.

Runner, David Bellen, 52, and owner of Photography Today, said: “Fundraising for The Christie is important. 

“My mother died from prostate cancer with a very short battle, and so it’s always been a good cause.  

“I’m not a big fan of running 5k at the best of times, but the fact that it’s for a good cause and it’s with a group of other people makes it easier rather than doing it by yourself.”

Altrincham vs Cancer was founded in 2014, after Alex’s best friend lost his parents to cancer and have since fundraised £107,500 in total after 12 years.

The runners completed the full 5k on Thursday 26 February.

Alex, 47, said: “It’s a really good community feel.  

“Altrincham is a really strong community, and charity organisations like this bring everyone together in the town amongst a common goal. 

“I think everyone who gets involved in the runs, in the charity fundraising, has that personal story with someone they’ve lost or someone that The Christie saved.”

This year, the community also collaborated with Tesco in a cycling event at the Altrincham superstore and completed a 5k ‘netwalking’ walk for working professionals. 

The fundraising campaign finishes in summer 2026, and to support Altrincham vs Cancer, you can find out more on their JustGiving page.