Inspirational Ella Chadwick takes centre stage at Bury Running Festival

A hugely popular, inclusive and supported race for participants of all abilities, the day saw all corners of the town come out to show their support. From running clubs, spectators, volunteers, schools and universities, the day highlighted the incredible communities in and around the town of Bury. 

Organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, the UK’s largest not-for-profit events company, in partnership with Bury Council, the 10K race kicked off at 9.30am outside the Rock Shopping Centre. The route took runners out of the town centre, along Tottington Road and Bury Road, before heading onto the Kirklees Trail. The course then looped back towards the town centre, before runners crossed the finish line back outside The Rock. 

As part of the event, runners had been encouraged to fundraise for their own charity of choice, or one of the event’s partner charities. This year’s partner charities include; Bury Hospice and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.​

Emily Carr was the first female across the finish line in a time of 00:39:23. Emily was followed by Isabel Brandon who clocked 00:40:24 for second place, and Rose Johnson who took third in 00:41:25. 

First male across the finish line was Hassan Ahdich in a time of 00:32:46. Andy Mellor took second place in at 00:33:46, with Jonathan Manning in third with a time of 00:34:15. 

The Arena Group Bury Mini and Junior runs followed as families, friends, and schools of all abilities came together for a morning of sport and fun.

A huge standout moment of the day, one of the region’s most brave and popular girls Ella Chadwick took part in the Arena Group Bury Mini and Junior run. 

15-year-old Ella, from Rochdale, was born with a rare kidney disease and has spent much of her life in hospital. Born needing six years of dialysis, she underwent 40 operations before undergoing a kidney transplant at the age of eight. Since then, Ella has raised thousands of pounds for charity by taking part in a variety of events and was named Child of Courage at the Pride of Britain awards in 2018. Two years later she captivated the nation by receiving the golden buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent after performing with the signing choir ‘Sign Along With Us’.

Ella decided to take part to raise money for the Sign Along With Us Foundation. 

The Sing Along With Us Foundation helps families of children and adults with complex needs by providing them with respite accommodation which is inclusive and accessible. In 2021 the Foundation purchased a fully accessible holiday home, which has since been used by lots of families who have a child or adult in the family with disabilities, who may find it difficult and expensive to enjoy a family holiday together. Ahead of the Arena Group Mini and Junior Runs, Ella had some words of encouragement for the runners at the start line. She said, "I wasn't well when I was younger, but I am fit and I am well now and am really excited to be taking part in the fun run. It doesn't matter if you win or lose it is all about the taking part. Good luck everyone" 

Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director at Run For All said: “We want to say a huge well done and thank you to all our participants who joined us today at the Bury 10K and Arena Group Bury Mini and Junior runs.

“I would also like to thank Ella Chadwick and her family for joining us on the start line. We hope that Ella’s story inspires participants of all abilities to engage in their own choice of sport, regardless of ability.

“The enthusiasm and support from everyone involved, from the participants themselves to the many spectators, sponsors, partners and volunteers, all ensured the day was a fantastic success.”

The event’s official sponsors include Bury Council, The Rock, High 5, Arla Protein, Coopah, Shokz, Up and Running, Gradwell, Marathon Photos Live and BBC Radio Manchester.