Mark supporting sport and charity this weekend

3.52.08pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 14th Jul 2006

Mark is supporting Sport Relief and Cancer Research on Saturday

Cheadle MP Mark Hunter will be supporting two sporting events in the constituency this Saturday (15th July) - both to raise money for charity.

Mark will be opening the Sport Relief Mile on William Scholes Playing Fields in Gatley at 11am. The event is being organised by the Supporters of Parks and Recreation in Gatley (SPRING).

Half of the money raised through Sport Relief is spent in the UK to help give those living in disadvantaged and divided communities a better life. The other half helps children and young people in the world's poorest countries faced with the daily reality of extreme poverty, abuse and exploitation.

Later on Saturday, at Stockport Rugby Club in Bramhall, Mark will be opening the Race for Life event in support of Cancer Research. Race for Life began in 1994, with one race in Battersea Park: 680 women came together and raised £36,000 in sponsorship.

Twelve years on, Race for Life has grown to become the UK's biggest women only fundraising event. They have raised over a £100 million for Cancer Research UK and welcomed over 2 million women to our events. The race starts at midday, so please do come and show your support.

Ahead of the events, Mark said, "Both events are for excellent causes and i can't praise the organisers highly enough - they've done a fantastic job and i really hope they raise a pile of cash. Good luck to everyone involved!"