‘Miracle’ former Premier League star Fabrice Muamba – who suffered an on-pitch heart attack during a game – is urging Mancunians to set their blue and red differences aside and sign up for the BUPA Great Manchester Run.
The 25-year-old is the official starter for the May 26 event, and along with race organizer Nova, is assembling a ‘Run for Muamba’ team.
The team will be made up of a representative from each Premier League and Football League club, and Muamba is calling for a fan from of both City and United to get involved.
“I am delighted to be involved in this fantastic event and I urge the people of Manchester to sign-up and get involved too,” he said.
“You can raise money for a great cause, like the Hearts and Goals campaign, or you can do it just to keep fit.
“Whatever your motivation, I look forward to waving you off at the starting line on May 26.”
Muamba almost died after suffering cardiac arrest during Bolton Wanderers’ F.A Cup quarter-final against Tottenham in March 2012.
Despite having to retire from professional football, the popular midfielder made a miraculous recovery and has since turned his attention to raising money and awareness of heart problems.
In recognition of his unwavering work, a team of 25 – one for each year of his life – will run for the Arrhythmia Alliance ‘Hearts and Goals’ campaign.
And Nova now hopes to emulate this team with one of their own and has urged all fans to wear their club shirts in tribute to Muamba.
David Hart, Communications Director of Nova, said “We are really thrilled that Fabrice has accepted our invitation and we’d love to see football fans showing their support for both him and Hearts and Goals at the BUPA Great Manchester Run.
“Like everybody else, we were willing Fabrice to pull through last March and the fact that he is here is a real cause for celebration.”
Further details and entry is available at www.greatrun.org/Manchester with entries being accepted on a first come, first served basis until the limit of 40,000 is achieved.
Image courtesy of Absolute Radio via YouTube, with thanks.
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