Former Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt backs run in memory of Tunisia terror victim Joel
Former Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt has given his backing to a fundraising run set up in memory of Tunisia terror victim Joel Richards.
More than 500 people have already signed up to take part in Run for Joel this weekend but organisers remain hopeful they can top 1,000.
The event, which takes place on Sunday at Sandwell Valley Country Park, in West Bromwich, has been organised by the Smile for Joel charity, set up by his mother, Suzy, in partnership with Sandwell Leisure Trust and Victim Support.
Smile for Joel was launched to raise funds for other families who have lost loved ones in tragic circumstances.
Actor and singer Rickitt has joined the call for people to get involved in the run to support the charity.
Football referee Joel, who was aged 19, was murdered in Tunisia in June 2015, along with his grandfather Patrick Evans, 78, and 49-year-old uncle Adrian Evans, who was from Bilston and worked for Sandwell Council.
In a video message, 38-year-old Rickitt, who found fame playing Nick Tilsley in Corrie before launching a music career, said: "On Sunday, September 11, there is an amazing event going on at Sandwell Valley.
"It's Run for Joel, Smile for Joel's marathon run, so please come and take part, it's going to be an amazing day raising lots of incredible amounts of money for Victim Support, so please, take part, you could literally change a life – by getting knackered. But it will be a good giggle, I promise you."
It is hoped the star's message will help spread the word and encourage more people to sign up.
The event starts at 10am with a competitive 5km run and a more relaxed 3km run open to all ages and abilities.
Entries cost £10 for the 5km race. The fun run costs £6 or £2 for under 12s and free for under twos.
To register and download a sponsorship form visit www.slt-leisure.co.uk/run-for-joel or call 0207 2680246.
