Luther star supports marathon runners

20 May 2020

Yet another high-profile acting star has thrown her weight behind the efforts of a group of West Midlands Police officers who are running the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in the autumn to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and the Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove.

Following a ‘good luck’ video sent by TV cop Vicky McClure, from the BBC’s Line of Duty last month, a new video has now been made by Ruth Wilson, the star of series like Luther, Jayne Eyre and The Affair.

The fund-raisers decided on the venture after West Midlands ACC Chris Johnson was diagnosed with MND and he and his family were offered support by the hospice.

In the video address, Ruth says: “I want to wish Chris and all of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon runners, who are running in aid of the Primrose Hospice and MNDA a huge ‘good luck’ and to say, keep up the good work.

“Of course, also a big hello and shout out to Chris Johnson and his family. You continue to motivate and inspire people during this challenging time. You truly are an inspiration to us all.”

Chris’ wife Sharon, who is also a West Midlands PC, said it was amazing to get more support from another big-name TV actor and thanked her for giving the campaign to raise as much money as possible for MNDA and Primrose Hospital another pick-me-up during the COVID-19 restrictions.

“I definitely needed some motivation to get me going again and this is a truly a mega boom!” said Sharon. “Ruth is an absolutely amazing and beautiful too.”

Sergeant Trudy Gittins, a West Midlands Police Federation workplace representative, decided to run the Liverpool marathon when she heard about the ACC’s diagnosis and asked for volunteers to join her.

More than 350 officers, staff and family and friends from across England and Wales are now behind the fund-raising efforts and the runners also have the support of Olympian Paula Radcliffe who has backed their efforts for the rescheduled event in Liverpool on October 24 and 25.