Bolton runners set off on 50k Wigan Road crash fundraiser

The Bolton News visited the Performance Unit in Breightmet on Saturday morning (July 25), where participants had just completed their second five-kilometre loop of the morning.

Having started at 7am, runners were in high spirits as they prepared to head back out for the next lap.

Around 100 people are expected to take part in the fundraiser throughout the day, organised by Performance Unit owner Joel Cooper.

Joel had been at the Performance Unit since 5am making the final preparations before runners set off.

Organiser Joel Cooper (middle) with his girlfriend Olivia Bell (left) and participant Craig Choda (Image: NQ)

He said that organising the event had been stressful, but he had plenty of support.

He said: “Luckily I’ve got a lot of people who have helped.

“Staff, my mum and my girlfriend are all here with me.”

With the sun shining, Joel said the conditions were perfect for the challenge.

Performance Unit members all smiles after completing 10K so far (Image: NQ)

“Hopefully the blue sky stays out when the barbecue and DJ are here.”

The music is being provided by NoPlan, a DJ trio that includes Joel’s younger brother, Sam Cooper.

The group offered to perform free of charge to help keep spirits high throughout the day.

Ready for the third 5K of the morning (Image: NQ)

Participants set off together at the start of every hour to complete a five-kilometre loop, with anyone completing all 10 laps covering a total of 50 kilometres.

“We’re 10k in and 40 to go and we’ve done a nice easy route to start with,” said Joel.

“I think I’ll surprise everyone this afternoon with a more challenging route, to throw a spanner in the works.

“Some of these runners are absolutely unbelievable, so I’ll really put them to the test.

“We’re all here to push ourselves to the limit.”

Family and friends from across Bolton have come together for the fundraiser (Image: NQ)

The money raised will support families affected by the tragic collision on Wigan Road in January, which claimed the lives of four people.

Taxi driver Masrob Ali, 54, from Blackburn, died after his vehicle was involved in a head-on collision.

Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali, 19, of Knutshaw Crescent, Bolton, Farhan Patel, 18, of Briercliffe Road, Bolton, and Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, 18, of Junction Road, Bolton, who were travelling in the speeding car that struck the taxi, also died.

Four passengers travelling in the taxi also suffered serious injuries.

Residents around Breightmet can expect to see groups of runners taking on the challenge throughout the day (Image: NQ)

Joel said the tragedy had a personal connection for some members of the gym, who knew those travelling in the taxi.

Fundraising stalls, homemade bakes and live music are continuing throughout the day as organisers aim to raise £20,000 for the families affected by the tragedy.

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/performance-unit