A NATIONAL charity is urging Knutsford people to sign up to its Tatton Park 10k run to spread warmth to older people this winter.

Latest figures show that between 2007 and 2010 there were on average 201 excess winter deaths every year of people aged 65 and over in Cheshire East due to the effects of cold weather.

Age UK is calling on runners to sign up to its Wrap Up and Run 10k event on Sunday, March 17 in Tatton Park to help raise vital funds for vulnerable older people in the Cheshire area and across the country this winter.

The event is part of a national series of 10k and 2k fundraising runs taking place in February and March which are ideal for fun runners and joggers as well as serious runners looking to achieve a new personal best.

Participants will be raising funds for Age UK’s Spread the Warmth campaign, which aims to make winter warmer for thousands of people in later life during the colder months.

Paul Farthing, fundraising director at Age UK, said: “We are really excited to be returning to Tatton Park for our second 10k event after the successful launch of our Wrap Up and Run series last year.

“We hope to see lots of walkers, joggers and runners, whatever their age or ability, across Cheshire wrapping up and taking part to help us make a real difference to people in later life – it’s a great way to get out and exercise.

“At this time of year Age UK’s winter services provide a vital lifeline to many older people locally in Cheshire, so please sign up today to help us prevent needless suffering this winter.”

Age UK is working with local charity Age UK Cheshire East to ensure funds raised by the Wrap up and Run 10k event will support vital local services for older people living in Cheshire East, as well as Age UK’s national projects.

By providing health and wellbeing activities, sharing knowledge and skills and delivering practical support at home, Age UK Cheshire East makes sure older people have interesting and imaginative activities which help to make later life as fulfilling as possible.

The 10k fundraising event costs £16 (£14 UKA affiliated) to enter, and it is open to anyone who would like to run, jog or walk the 10k route.

Contact the Age UK fundraising events team at 10k@ageuk.org.uk, visit ageuk.org.

uk/10k, or call the 10k hotline 0800 169 8787 for more details.

Chip timing will be available for runners, and goodies will be available on the finishing line.