A HAIRDRESSER from Knutsford will swop scissors for trainers when she takes part in the 10k Morrisons Great Manchester Run in support of her colleague.

Rachel Fountain, manager of the Nicky Clarke hair salon based in Manchester’s Spinningfields, has been inspired to run by her long-serving stylist, Steven Noble, who is undergoing treatment for cancer of the lymphoma.

Rachel has formed the Nicky Clarke business team with 11 other colleagues all taking part in the run.

They aim to raise £2,000 for leukaemia and lymphoma cancer research.

Rachel said: "We want to show that we're all behind Steven during this difficult time for him and a lot of our clients have also been very supportive with gifts and cards.

"It's the first time Nicky Clarke has entered a team in the Manchester Run and I'm only an occasional runner but I'm told it's a great atmosphere."

The Morrisons Great Manchester Run will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2015 and is Europe’s biggest 10k event with up to 40,000 people taking part.

The Business Challenge will see more than 160 firms and organisations taking part in the run with up to 3,000 runners representing them.

David Hart, communications director at organisers Nova International, said: "The Business Challenge has captured the imagination of the corporate sector and promotes team spirit. Demand for places is high and we'd urge groups and individuals to enter as soon as possible."

Small, medium and large companies will be awarded prizes for taking part in the run.

Many firms enter more than one team with a minimum of four runners and a maximum of eight in each team.

To take part in the run go to greatrun.org/great-manchester-run

To help Rachel raise £2000 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research visit justgiving.com/nickyclarke15/

Picture from left, Gary Kelly, Rachel Fountain and Roisin Dooley.