Sheffield rockers to swap guitars for running shoes

One half of a popular Sheffield indie band are swapping guitars for running shoes to raise money for hospitals in the city.
George and Tom are training for the Sheffield 10kGeorge and Tom are training for the Sheffield 10k
George and Tom are training for the Sheffield 10k

Singer George Waite and guitarist Tom Dakin, of city indie-pop quartet The Crookes, have been training hard to prepare for the Sheffield 10k race on Sunday.

The pair will be raising money to help people suffering from Motor Neurone Disease, a devastating illness for which there is still no cure.

George and Tom of the Crookes are taking part in the Sheffield 10k.George and Tom of the Crookes are taking part in the Sheffield 10k.
George and Tom of the Crookes are taking part in the Sheffield 10k.
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George said: “Tom and I love running, so when my friend, Fiona, mentioned the Sheffield 10k it seemed like a good chance to do something we enjoy, while raising money to help fight such an awful disease.“We've been away on tour in the USA which means we are being forced to train hard, especially with the poor diet we have on the road.“We’ve have an intense couple of weeks training just so we don't embarrass ourselves on the big day."Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.

MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. Although there is currently no cure for MND, symptoms can be managed to help patients achieve the best possible quality of life.George added: “Tom and I both know people who are suffering, or have suffered with MND and the upsetting effects it can have. It’s a terrible disease which we hope will have a cure someday.“We're both very happy to be doing our bit for such a hardworking and vital organisation. It’s reassuring to know there are institutions like Sheffield Hospitals Charity out there helping to look after us when we and our families need it.”George and Tom have raised more than £300 so far, but would like to get that number even higher.

To sponsor the duo, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/TheCrookesRunAlternatively, to donate directly to Sheffield Hospitals Charity visit www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk/donate

The Crookes released their fourth album Lucky Ones earlier this year.