Gareth Gates: Pop Idol star on the run for Sport Relief INTERVIEW
Gareth Gates.
By Laura Bowyer
Published on Thursday 22 March 2012 05:00
Singing superstar Gareth Gates is no stranger to overcoming challenges.
The former Pop Idol runner-up has spent years building-up his confidence after struggling with his speech.
But now he is set to lace-up his running shoes and take on an entirely different challenge in the name of charity.
Gareth will be pacing the streets of Leeds at the weekend to help raise money for Sport Relief by taking part in a run through the heart of the city centre.
Gareth, who was born in Bradford, told the YEP he was looking forward to returning to his Yorkshire roots.
He said: “I’m not the best runner but it is for a really good cause and once it was mentioned to me that it would be in Leeds then I thought why not give it a go.
“I’ve roped all of my family and friends in from Bradford too.
“It is for a great cause and I am looking forward to getting involved.
“Even though I am based in London for my work, Yorkshire will certainly always be my home.
“I love the shopping in Leeds and it is just a great and vibrant city.”
Gareth has recently opened up a performing arts school in Bradford and finished performing in Les Miserables in the West End.
He has also spent time helping young people with a stammer to help transform their lives.
Gareth added: “I’m in this world of musical theatre and that is an opportunity I never thought I would be able to do with my speech.
“I have helped to teach people to control their speech and that helps me as well.
“It’s not a cure but it is something I constantly have to work on myself.”
Gareth, who came fourth in Dancing on Ice in 2008, also praised Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden’s skating performance this year.
He added: “Matthew looks great and I want to wish him the best of luck.
“I remember the dread every week of having to skate.
“It was fun and I quite liked wearing the Lycra.”
This year, more than one million people are expected to take part in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile across the country.
The money raised will support people living in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries.
The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile will be held in Leeds on Sunday, March 25.
For more information about the event and to enter visit:
www.sportrelief.comAttachments:
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