Night of Neon
Night of Neon will take place on Saturday 24th October 2009 and has already been backed by Olympic sprinter Darren Campbell. To show their support for the Club's charity partnership, local premiership players Wes Brown and Michael Carrick are now encouraging people to sign up.
Manchester United defender, Wes said: “It’s great that an event like this is taking place in Salford. The Christie is an amazing charity, helping people locally and across the whole of the UK and the Night of Neon offers the perfect opportunity for the people of Manchester and the North West to get involved and raise money to help put a stop to cancer. I wish the charity the best of luck for the event”.
Manchester United has played a vital part in fundraising for The Christie over recent years. Since teaming up in August 2007, the Manchester United Foundation has helped raise more than £180,000 in funds.
Fellow team mate and midfielder Michael Carrick added: “The Christie’s Night of Neon is a perfect event for all the family to get involved with, either through taking part or by digging deep and sponsoring others. Not only is it about raising money for a fantastic cause, most importantly, it looks set to provide an evening packed full of fun for the people of Salford and I would encourage those that haven’t done so already to get involved and sign up in support of The Christie”.
Night of Neon will light up Salford Quays as walkers and joggers decked out in neon attire create a truly unique atmosphere, whilst raising money for charity. Starting at the world class Lowry Plaza, the evening will kick off with a 5km jog through the greenbelt areas of Salford Quays. Or, for those wishing to go at a more relaxed pace, there is a 10km walk which will give participants the chance to take in the stunning scenery and architecture of the quays.
Dance troops and fire acts will be entertaining the walkers and joggers around the course and the carnival atmosphere will be full swing as participants reach the finish line, with Xfm DJ Clint Boon providing the music.
Racheline Garston, Charity Governor at The Christie and founder of the event, said; “I am thrilled that we have the support of the Manchester United players, it really means a lot that such high profile footballers are willing to get behind The Christie and back our event. The last event was a huge success with an amazing buzz around the whole evening and I have no doubt that this year will be no exception.”
“More than 400 people took part in the last event, which raised over £37,000 and this year we are hoping to increase entries. Now is an important time for The Christie, with three major new developments currently under construction we will be able to reach out and treat more cancer patients than ever before. Events like the Night of Neon are vital for raising funds. It is expected that this year’s event will sell out really quickly so I would urge anyone wanting to get involved to do so now.”
Councillor John Merry, Leader of Salford City Council said; “The Night of Neon is a great fundraising event for a truly great cause and I am delighted to welcome it back to Salford. I wish it every success and I am sure that everyone taking part will have a great night as they raise vital funds for The Christie charity.”
Everyone taking part in the 2009 Night of Neon event will receive a free glow in the dark t-shirt. People wishing to take part can sign up now at www.nightofneon.org