Yahoo News Gemma Atkinson left overwhelmed by support as she says 'you have no idea' as she battles through 'hate' for good cause
Gemma Atkinson has shared how she's been left overwhelmed by the support she has received as she takes on a challenge for a good cause. The Hits Radio host will be lacing up her running shoes as she partakes in the Great Manchester Run 10k on Sunday (May 26).
Gemma, 39, will be running at the event for a cause close to her heart. She is raising funds for Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in her hometown of Bury, for which she is president. She signed up for the 10k alongside Hits Radio co-star Mike Toolan and a few pals despite admitting to 'hating' running.
The mum-of-two took to social media on Monday (May 20) to share the link for her Just Giving page for the first time and as she spoke directly to her fans and followers in a video, she said: "I'm just jumping on to ask a massive, massive favour to those who want to and are able to, my Just Giving page for Bleakholt is active! I've finally created it..."
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Gemma continued: "I'm doing the Manchester 10k, hate running, don't enjoy it but it's for Bleakholt, our local animal sanctuary which I'm president of and we rely solely on donations, volunteers and fundraising to keep us going. I've got so many followers on here and if those that could donated even £2, it's going to make a massive, massive difference to our sanctuary."
She rounded off by saying: "It would just be incredible and you'll be helping loads of animals get re-homed. Thank you so much in advance if you can help."
And by Tuesday morning (May 21), Gemma was thrilled to have seen how much had been donated so far after setting a £1,000 target. "Just having my coffee and I've just checked the donation page and I'm at over £4,000 already for Bleakholt," she said as she put her hand to her face in surprise.
"I cannot thank you enough. One of the ladies from the team messaged me yesterday and was like, 'We've hit the target already!' The target was £1000... You've inspired me. I'm going to run this morning... Rather than do my weight session, I'm going to run and it's because you've donated and I'm spurred on."
The former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star added: "That amount of money for out little sanctuary is going to make such a difference. I cannot tell you what we can do with over £4,000. So thank you! Thank you so, so much!"
At the time of writing, Gemma had racked up more than £4,500. A message on the Just Giving page read: "Our animal sanctuary helps thousands of animals in need every year. We help re home and rehabilitate so many, but we rely solely on volunteers and donations to make it possible. With your help we can really make a difference to the lives of so many animals. Thank you for your support, it’s hugely appreciated."
