Coronation Street star, William Roache welcomed more than 6,000 people to a charity fun run/walk across the new Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley bypass.

 

William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in the long-running soap, opened the event on 24 October 2010 along with Cheshire East Councillor, Carolyn Andrew. Those who took part chose between a five-mile charity run from 9.30 am and a charity walk which took place from 11am.

 

Organised by Nether Alderley Parish Council, Alderley Edge Rotary Club and Wilmslow Running Club, the event was supported by Cheshire East Council, Birse Civils, The Emerson Foundation and Group, AstraZenaca, Pannone LLP, the Combined Charities Christmas Shops and Running Bear.

 

Early indications suggest more than £17,000 has been raised for charity.

 

Cheshire East Councillor Andrew Knowles, cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “This was a fantastic event and I was delighted to see that thousands of people turned out to support their chosen charities. This was a unique opportunity for runners, walkers and fund-raisers alike. My congratulations go to the organisers, their supporters and everyone who took part.”

 

Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove, cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, added. “It was very pleasing to see how enthusiastic everyone was about this event. As a council, we are proud to support such a venture which marks the completion of an important highway with local sporting achievement and fund-raising.”

 

The Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley bypass will be opened on 19 November 2010. Funded by the Department of Transport and Cheshire East Council, the bypass has been constructed by Birse Civils. The bypass is designed to reduce congestion in Alderley Edge.

 

The project has already received industry accolades by winning The Institute of Highways and Transportation NW Highways Project of the Year 2010 Award and the Civil/Highway Project of the Year Award at The Builder and Engineer Awards 2010.