Dean Smith joins the Appeal Team at Leeds Half Marathon

Actor Dean Smith is stepping into the spotlight in a challenging new role - as a Leeds Half Marathon runner!

The star of Last Tango in Halfiax and Waterloo Road is the latest to join the 150-strong Jane Tomlinson Appeal team, alongside former Leeds Rhinos legends Jamie Peacock and Barrie McDermott who have already pledged to pull on their trainers.

Dean, who was also the famous face of Yorkshire's Tea's high-profile Brewtopia adverts, is taking on the 13.1 mile course to support the Appeal in its quest to help children be happy and healthy and improve the lives of people living with cancer.

Dean, 28, said: "I'm really looking forward to running Yorkshire's biggest half marathon in my home city. It's always good to get home and I can't think of any better reason than running the Leeds Half for the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and supporting its work with children and people living with cancer.

Appeal Team runners will clock up a collective 1,965 miles

"If you can spare a few pounds, then please help me support a truly brilliant cause - and if you see me on the route, make sure you say 'hi' as I'll need the encouragement."

To support Dean in his half marathon visit our Just Giving page.

Appeal Fundraising Manager Katie Bell said: "We're thrilled that Dean has signed up to join our amazing Appeal Team on Sunday 13th May.

"Together they'll run a collective 1,965 miles to support children's wellbeing and people affected by cancer. It's a huge effort and we're really grateful for their support."

Among the projects currently funded by the Jane Tomlinson Appeal is the Mini Mermaids and Young Tritons, a scheme to support children with emotional and physical wellbeing being delivered in schools across Leeds, and a PhD research project at Leeds Beckett University to develop new physiotherapy techniques to help relieve the symptoms of some cancers.

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