A group of athletes are taking to the streets of Manchester tomorrow to raise funds for the victims of Monday's night bomb attack in the city.

Ellie Thompsett, Andrea Challenger, Peter Telford and several more runners from Cumberland Athletic Club are set to take part in the Great Manchester Run.

And they are raising money for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund run by The British Red Cross Society.

Ellie, of Seaton, who has entered the 10k event, said: "There has been a lot of mixed emotions and people saying to me 'I don't think you should do it'.

"But I will be doing it and will be thinking of every single victim and their families that have been affected.

"I wasn't going to do the run for charity but I've now decided because of Monday night's events I want to do my bit to help."

The trio admitted it would be an emotional event but they wanted to help in any way they could.

"It is definitely going to be an emotional day and I had to think hard about going but once I had made my mind up I wanted to do something to help as well," said Andrea, of Workington, who will be doing the half marathon with Peter.

The future of the 10k race and half marathon had been thrown into doubt after the terror attack that killed 22 people at Manchester Arena on Monday.

But organisers confirmed, after talks with Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council, that the race will go ahead.

So far they have raised over £700 and if anyone would like to donate they can do so via the link: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ellie-Thompsett

The money has been bosted by regulars at the Blue Bell pub in Workington who donated £170 from their monthly quiz night to the appeal.

And youngsters at Learning Land nursery, in Workington, where Ellie works all paid £1 to wear fancy dress on Friday which will also be added that to the total.

Another Cumberland AC member, Keith McVeigh, who is currently sidelined with a leg brace following an operation, was also keen to do his part.

He is set to walk the Workington Parkrun for the appeal.