Sale football fans are running to help brave Ted raise funds for cystic fibrosis

F ootball fans in Sale are putting aside their United and City rivalries to back young Ted Molloy in his fundraising.

A group of 25 pals, mostly from Sale, have rallied round to support five-year-old Ted, who has cystic fibrosis.

He is particularly vulnerable during Covid-19 and once pals of his dad Mark knew that his son was raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust they went into action.

Between them they are aiming to run 3,206 kilometres – the distance from Manchester to Moscow – during May.

It means each runs 128 kilometres and, with a few days left, they are on course to reach their destination.

They have easily beaten their initial fundraising target of £5,000 and want to double it. The fund currently stands at £7,046.

Dom Clancy, one of the organisers, said: “The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is close to Ted’s heart and the current situation is showing just how brave he is so we wanted to do our bit.

“Most of us are novice runners so it’s a tough challenge. It’d be great if people could donate to put a smile on Ted’s face.”

Scott Stapleton, son of former United striker Frank, is among those taking part. Liam King is doing his bit from his home in Texas, along with Tom Howitt from Dubai.

The others are: Mark Molloy, Dominic Clancy, Dave Reynolds, Paul Brough, Chris Howard, Phil Howard, Mike Kilmartin, Shaun Roberts, Adam Walker, Dean Walker, Shane Goldrick, Mark Hughes, Tom Nawn, James Clarke, Nick Richardson, Steve Nihill, Dave Kelly, Richard Chadwick, Scott Needham, Mike Lee, Ben Linen and Callum Maher.

Ted’s dad Mark has been living in a caravan while he carries on working during lockdown so his son does not risk coming into contact with coronavirus.

Ted’s story was featured in a BBC Panorama special about the effects of Covid-19 on the vulnerable.

Mum Fiona said: “The virus could very easily be life-threatening for someone like Ted. I worry about not being able to get him to hospital appointments.

“Ted knows there’s a virus and that we need to get rid of it before he can go out again, but it’s a difficult thing for a child of his age to understand.”

To support Ted visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charity-run-for-ted

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting genetic condition affecting more than 10,000 people across the UK. It affects the lungs and digestive system and can cause chronic infections and reduced lung function. Currently, half of those with CF will not live past age 41.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust aims for a brighter future for those with CF and their families by funding cutting-edge research, improving standards of care and supporting people with the condition and their loved ones.