A CHARITY which protects some of the borough’s most vulnerable young people is calling on businesses to show their support.

More than 20 energetic fundraisers have already signed up to complete the Manchester Marathon in aid of Early Break, based in Bury Road, Radcliffe.

The charity, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, protects children from sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, poverty, neglect and drug and alcohol misuse.

It is hoped a total of 50 runners can be accrued to complete the 26.2 mile challenge on April 19 in aid of Early Break, which also has offices in Rochdale and East Lancashire.

They will race alongside relay runners taking part in Early Break’s Corporate Challenge Cup. The cup was won by the Bury branch of Halifax last year and this year teams from Halifax, the Co-operative and Barlow Andrews have signed up to take part.

With running vests the biggest outlay for Early Break, the charity is desperately seeking businesses to lend their support through sponsorship.

Rhyse Cathcart, Early Break’s training and marketing development worker, first ran the Manchester Marathon for the charity in 2012.

He said: “Always in my mind while I was running were some of the young people I have worked with over the years.

“Many of them were really vulnerable – from homeless teenagers, looked-after children and young women who have been victims of sexual exploitation.

“Sometimes when I started working with young people they literally had nothing but the clothes on their back, having left in very traumatic circumstances.”

In 2012, Early Break’s marathon runners raised £1,500 which was donated to the charity’s Wellbeing Fund – emergency cash for young people experiencing extreme hardship in times of crisis, which pays for things like clothes, bedding, cooking utensils and furniture.

Last year, sponsorship for the race raised nearly £8,000 which funded some of the charity’s early intervention and early help outreach services.

Rhyse added: “We are delighted that the number of people joining us in our fundraising efforts keeps on growing year on year – from corporate teams to individual runners.

“We would welcome other local businesses and organisations to join in.”

Any businesses who want to help with sponsorship should call Early Break’s training and marketing development team on 0161 723 3880.