Coronation Street star Peter Ash has been praised and flooded with 'thank you' messages as he documented a new challenge he has taken on following his on-screen character's diagnosis.
The Manchester actor is known for playing Paul Foreman in the ITV soap. And fans were left gutted back in March when it was confirmed that the builder would be receiving a devastating diagnosis which will eventually lead to his death.
Corrie viewers have since seen Paul told that he has motor neurone disease (MND), which is a life-shortening illness. Amid multiple GP visits, as he struggled with the use of his hand after being knocked down by Carla Connor in the Underworld van, Paul started to notice other issues with balance, mobility and dexterity.
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Fans saw Paul keeps the diagnosis from his partner Billy Mayhew and his family, confiding only in his flatmate Dee Dee Bailey. The storyline is now continuing to follow the progression of the disease as Paul initially deals with the illness alone and eventually has to break the news to his loved ones.
As his character faces the terrifying diagnosis, Peter is doing more to raise awareness for MND. He is set to take on the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 21. The soap star is taking on the 10K challenge to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.
In preparation, Peter spent time with Mike, who like Paul worked in the building trade, who has MND, hearing how the early symptoms had affected him physically and emotionally. He's also followed the story of Rob Burrow MBE, MND Association patron and rugby league legend who was diagnosed with MND more than three years ago.
Peter said: "Real people's stories are so inspirational, and I feel a responsibility. We act it but there will be people watching who are living with it – it’s very important to get it right. The charity is doing incredible work, supporting those living with MND and funding crucial research. I’m really looking forward to running on the day and I’m sure there will be lots of support out on the streets.”
Chris James, Director of External Affairs from the MND Association, said: "We are really grateful to the team at Coronation Street for choosing to highlight MND. Putting the disease in front of six million viewers every week will raise incredible awareness and help educate people who have never come across MND – showing the day-to-day reality of those living with it.
"We’re delighted Peter has chosen to take on the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run for the MND Association in May. He will be part of a team of runners sporting the Association’s distinctive orange and blue colours, raising much-needed funds to help us in our mission to support those in the MND community and their families."
Earlier this week, Peter shared an update from one of his practice runs. Sharing a serious selfie to Instagram, the actor could be seen out in the great outdoors in his gym gear as he pounded the sodden pavements. "Out for a bank holiday run! I'm running 10k in just under 2 weeks to raise money for @mndassoc. Please do consider donating (link in my story) to this great cause!" he captioned the post.
And he was quickly sent love, luck and plenty of praise. @cathy7292 said: "Good luck Peter all the best love." @christyhodge41 commented: "I lost my Mum to the horror of MND. Thank you so much for doing this!" @emzt78 replied: "Good on you."
@lisatowey shared: "Thankyou so much Peter for doing this. Lost my mum to MND and the MNDA are amazing and need all the support they can get. Good luck." @angieb9468 added: "It’s an illness that puts the fear of god into me. You are playing the part so well. Paul’s story is so heartbreaking so very well done and good look with the 10k."
Peter won't be alone on the run as a number of his Corrie co-atars will be swapping the cobbles for the Mancunian Way when they line up alongside him on the start line. Taking on the 10K will be Ryan Russell, who plays Michael Bailey and Channique Sterling-Brown who plays Dee Dee Bailey. Channique is running for a local community centre set up by the charity Manchester Vineyard.
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