Manchester City supporter Nick Cavanagh to run in Manchester United shirt (From Knutsford Guardian)

Manchester City supporter Nick Cavanagh to run in Manchester United shirt

11:50am Friday 3rd July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

AN avid Manchester City supporter whose family have been fans of the team for four generations will be taking part in a run in his arch rival’s shirt.

Nick Cavanagh, who lives in High Legh, will be wearing a Manchester United top when he runs the City of Manchester 10k on July 5.

But Nick hasn’t deserted Manchester City – it is all part of a unique charity challenge that will pay tribute to his beloved team.

On May 26, he started a year-long running challenge to match the 1981-mile distance of the Manchester City bus as it travels to Premiership clubs the length and breadth of the country.

For each mile Nick runs he will be wearing the opposition team shirt – and so when he runs from Eastlands to Old Trafford he is obliged to sprint in the Red Devils’ shirt for the 4.6 miles.

“I’ll be running the fastest I’ve ever run before,” said Nick, whose dad Michael Cavanagh is well known as the vicar of St John’s Church in High Legh.

“I’m 38 years old and I never dreamt I’d be wearing a Man United shirt in my life. But it is for charity so sometimes you have to bite the bullet.”

Nick’s great grandfather Richard was the first in the family to become a City fan in 1913 and his three-year-old son Daniel already has a Manchester City season ticket.

He hopes to raise £15,000 for SOS Children’s Villages, the world’s largest orphan charity that has provided a new family and home for more than 70,000 children in 123 countries.

“Football is an important part of my life but it’s not the most important thing in the world. There are people starving.

“City could lose every game and I’d still be glad I’m doing this.”

Nick, who is the race director for the High Legh 10k, will also be running in a Portsmouth shirt for around six weeks to cover the 244 mile distance.

“I was hoping Portsmouth would be relegated,” he added.

To make a donation to Nick or if you can provide a replica shirt, visit cityrun.co.uk.

For more information on the City of Manchester 10k, go to sportstoursinternational.co.uk/running/city-of-manchester-10k.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)