Stars and fun-runners unite for charity

The Prime Minister was one of the many thousands who did their part for charity. Credit: PA

Thousands of running enthusiasts joined celebrities and sports personalities today for the Sport Relief London Mile.

Conservative MP and former Strictly Come Dancing star Ann Widdecombe started the first wave of the charity run, which included Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm, model Nell McAndrew, EastEnders actors Matt Lapinskas and Tony Discipline and Olympic and Paralympic medallists Allyson Felix and Chris Holmes.

Nell McAndrew was the first to cross the finish line on the Mall in central London, saying it was her "competitive streak" that spurred her on.

Swimmer Chris Holmes, who has won nine Paralympic gold medals, ran with 200m Olympic silver medallist Allyson Felix.

Holmes joked: "I was trying to make her go faster but she wouldn't."

He added: "It's great to stand on the gold medal rostrum but what's even more important than that is giving people the chance to realise what they can achieve in sport.

Melanie Chisholm taking part in the Sport Relief London Mile, on The Mall in central London Credit: PA

Melanie Chisholm, who ran three miles during the event and finished looking happy but out of breath, said: "The Spice Girls had a long history with Comic Relief and now we have Sport Relief and they do such amazing work. To make raising money for something so awful so much fun is great. I will be feeling good when I get my breath back!"

The Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile is one of hundreds of runs happening around the country to raise money for the charity appeal.

For more photos click here.