Smile for Joel: Actor Adam Ricketts posts video message supporting fun run event

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 participants.

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.

Now actor and singer Rickitt has joined the calls for people to get involved in the run to support the charity.

Football referee Joel, who was 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, the 38-year-old, 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.

It starts at 10am with a competitive 5km run, but there is also a more relaxed 3km run (or even a stroll) open to all ages and abilities.

To register and download a sponsorship form, visit www.slt-leisure.co.uk/run-for-joel

Entries cost £10 for the 5km race, £6 for the 3km fun run for adults and children 12 and over, while under 12s can run for just £2 and under twos are free.

Alternatively, call 0207 268 0246/0223 during office hours to register.