Ian Terry 5k raises £1,000

A local 5k race in memory of a Greater Manchester Police firearms officer has raised £1,000.

The Ian Terry 5k, which took place at Cowm Reservoir in Whitworth on Tuesday 9 July, takes place annually in memory of PC Ian Terry, who died following a training exercise in June 2008.

He served as a response officer in Rochdale for five years from 1997 before his move to the firearms unit.

The 276-strong race was won by Todmorden Harrier Andrew Worster in 16:14, whilst Clayton-le-Moors Harrier Helana White, a junior, was the first lady in 18:04.

Proceeds from the race, staged by Andems Runners, have been split between the Care of Police Survivors charity, which helps the families of fallen police officers to rebuild their lives, and Commonwealth silver medallist, Mollie Campbell, also of Whitworth, who receives no funding to pursue her sport.

Mollie was most recently part of the Great Britain squad which placed fourth in the EuroBasket tournament, and are guaranteed to play in February's qualifying tournament for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/128958/basketball-great-britain-make-history-by-finishing-fourth-in-eurobasket-tournament

Race organiser Andy O’Sullivan MBE said: “I cannot thank everyone enough for Ian’s 5k – the runners, those helping me, the local pub and Rochdale Online for publicising our events.

“As always, this is a race that touches us all, and I am so pleased this was our second largest race, second only to the Ron Hill birthday run, whilst raising money for two fantastic causes.

“Despite being in agony, I was glad I made it there.  It was a wonderful evening which really took my mind off my health. I cannot thank the team who helped enough.”

Andy, 66, of Whitworth, has organised over 670 races for numerous charitable causes since 1983, but is currently taking somewhat of a backseat due to poor health.

He is continuing to stage races in the north west despite battling serious illness, and hopes to inspire others who may be going through similar problems.

The Andems Runner has previously fought bladder cancer, having been diagnosed in 2015.

After recurrent pain since finishing his last round of treatment in January 2019, Andy now faces having his bladder and prostate removed.

He has, however, received the all-clear that he does not have cancer again.

Wife Emily added: “Andy has a good attitude, but it has been a hard week. We are trying to manage day by day until we know what will come next.”