THOUSANDS of fun lovers flocked to Leverhulme Park yesterday for one of the biggest fundraising events the ground has seen.

Youngsters and adults from across the borough joined forces to raise over £20,000 for the "Running to Save Lives" fun and run day.

The event aimed to raise as much money as possible for the Dr Joe Jaffe Renal Unit at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital to replace kidney dialysis equipment.

Although the threat of rain deterred many from attending the event those who did brave the elements didn't let the occasional downpour dampen their spirits.

More than 540 youngsters from more than 20 schools in the borough took part in the mile long sponsored fun run around the park.

Mrs Eleanor Jaffe, Dr Jaffe's widow who is committed to follow in her husband's fund raising footsteps, put the young runners under starters orders for the big race. And one lucky family from Farnworth, who are yet to be named, will be off to the sunshine state of Florida for two weeks after guessing the exact number of young runners taking part in the event (548).

While the youngsters were going through their paces in the run adult teams from companies and organisations in Bolton were getting the wetter the better in an "It's a Knockout" competition.

As well as the occasional downpour on the day the 20 teams got drenched with the 5,000 gallons of water laid on for the event organised by "Knockout 2,000."

Event organiser, Keith Coulter, said: "It's the first time we've held such a big event in Bolton and I must say everyone has done us proud. They deserve a medal.

"As well as a fundraiser the event was a very big thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years." Dr Jaffe launched the renal unit at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in 1987.

The money raised on the day will pay for two AK 100 dialysis machines, estimated at £15,000 each, for the extended unit which will help cut the time that children with kidney problems spend on dialysis.

Helping to make the day a success were many local firms who had donated services and their time and effort.

Adding to the fun and games were a whole host of attractions including local DJs Steve James and Dexter Love, the Saddle Tramps Wild West Show, the Martini's Mini Circus, the Discos Direct Roadshow and the GMR Talk Roadshow featuring DJ Paul Hartley and children's entertainment with the Snoopy Aerobics, a funfair and helicopter rides. Keith added: "It was a great day and everything went to plan. It was a shame that the weather wasn't really on our side.

"Although it didn't rain during the run some of the competitors taking part in the "knockout" were left wringing wet!" Keith said: "It was a fantastic community event for Bolton and we are very grateful to everyone who supported us.

"We hope we can rely on everyone's continued support in the future."on the main stage who made sure the crowds got into the swing of things.

There was also "Because we are the local children's hospital Bolton people are very supportive." "Because we are the local children's hospital Bolton people are very supportive."

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