Steeve Coogan runs Greater Manchester Marathon for charity

Steve and Kevin Coogan at the finish line

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Actor, writer and producer Steve Coogan, famous for the character Alan Partridge, turned his talents to running at the weekend, taking part in the Greater Manchester Marathon in aid of Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity and L’Arche.

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity provides emotional and practical support nationwide for families with a child who has a life threatening or terminal illness. The charity has one of its care teams based in Greater Manchester. Steve, who trained for the marathon whilst also managing a busy filming schedule, says: “I count myself lucky I’ve never needed to use the support provided by the Rainbow Trust but I think it is very reassuring to live in a society where this kind of support is available where and when people need it most.”

Steve ran the marathon with his brother Kevin who works for L’Arche, the other charity Steve was raising money for. L'Arche is an international movement which builds faith based communities with people with learning disabilities all over the world. The money raised by Steve and his brother is part going towards funding a new community in Manchester. Steve and his family have been involved with L’Arche for over 30 years: “I am passionate about helping L'Arche because it doesn't have that media friendly emotional power that many charities have. You won't find the tabloids trying to champion adults with learning disabilities. It ain't 'sexy' to use marketing jargon. I want to try and redress the balance a little, not that I'm claiming my brother and I are in any way 'sexy' except in a comfortable middle-aged sort of way”.

Steve completed the marathon in 4. 45 hours and 55 seconds and has raised nearly £5,000 on his Virgin Money Giving page which includes a sizeable donation from Hugh Grant.