Former Corrie Star chooses Bath as the Destination for his First Ever Running Event

Former Coronation Street bad boy, Will Thorp, will join the impressive list of celebrity participants that have taken part in the Bath Half Marathon over recent years.

Following in the footsteps of Britain’s favourite host, Dermot O’Leary, who ran the Bath Half in 2012 and 2013 in aid of lead race charity, CoppaFeel!, Will is also running on behalf of a charity close to his heart; Time is Precious.

The Somerset based charity work with seriously ill children and their families, providing support and care. It was set up to support not just those children who find themselves in hospital for treatment because of illness or disability, but also their families who want to be with them.

Will commented: “I was born in Frome, near to where Nicky and Neil who founded Time Is Precious come from, so I was so pleased when they asked me to be a patron. I agreed to run 13.1 miles in aid of the charity and the amazing work they do. This is the first time I’ve ever taken part in a running event, and the longest distance I will have ever undertaken, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge!”

The BATHALF is the biggest half marathon in the West Country and one of the largest charity fundraising events in the region, supporting local and national charities each year. This event has raised over 2 million for 80 national and local charities, a total that is due to rise again this year.

BATHALF organisers are thrilled to have Will on the starting line up in 2014. Mel Taylor, Charity Director at Running High commented: “It’s great news that Will is going to be running the BATHALF next weekend. Being a local man, will is the perfect patron to help Time is Precious raise awareness of the amazing work that they do. We’re charmed that Will has chosen the BATHALF as his first ever half marathon, and we wish him the best of luck for race day”.

Will added: “I absolutely love Bath. I studied at Bath College and it was great to be based right in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in the country. I can’t wait to take in the scenery next week during the half marathon. I don’t have a target time, but I’d be happy with anything under two hours, or even just to finish!”

As well as acting in Coronation Street, Will also appeared as a regular in Casualty between 2004 and 2005. He has just finished filming for Kay Mellor’s, ‘In the Club’ for BBC1 which will be out later in the year. He has also recently set up a company called ‘TV Insight’ based in Bath, which runs workshops in schools encouraging aspiring actors to enjoy an introduction to working in television.