A host of 33 bakery businesses have sponsored a milling manager to take on the Great Manchester Run.

Paul Tracey, sales manager of Nelstrops Family Millers in Stockport, will be running the 10k in memory of his late father, an ex-Hovis apprentice and previous sales manager at the mill.

The sponsors include: Upper Crust Bakery, Preston; Caterpac, Newcastle upon Tyne; Reynolds Bakery, Hull; and 30 others.

Tracey said: “Travelling on a near national basis for Nelstrops I can honestly say that the industry’s response has been tremendous. From high street bakeries to multiples, people have been so generous both in their donations and words of encouragement. One wholesaler even offered to run a ‘dress down’ day for all the staff in their three offices, raising a tidy sum.

“I feel that a big part of this, apart from the camaraderie that exists within the industry, is that most seem to know someone who has suffered or is suffering from cancer.”

Tracey’s father sadly died of liver cancer in summer last year, and was known by many in the industry.

So far Tracey has raised more than £1,600 for the charity, after initially setting a target of £500.

His T-shirt for the day will contain all of his sponsors’ logos, which he will wear as he completes the 10k run across Manchester.