Runners gather in Geeling memory

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Hundreds of people braved the cold and driving rain in Greater Manchester for a fun run to raise money for a charity in memory of a murdered schoolboy.

Joe Geeling's family, school friends and about 30 police officers took part in the 5km run (3.1 miles) around a lake in Littleborough, Rochdale.

They were hoping to raise about £5,000 for the Joe Geeling Trust, set up to help sufferers of Cystic Fibrosis.

The 11-year-old was murdered by fellow pupil Michael Hamer in March 2006.

Hamer lured Joe to his home in Bury and beat him 16 times with a frying pan before stabbing him and dragging his body to a nearby park.

The 15-year-old, who was 14 at the time of the attack on 1 March, pleaded guilty to murder at Manchester Crown Court last October.

We all realise what Joe meant not just to his family, but to the whole community... Det Supt Martin Bottomley

On Sunday, Joe's father Tom and other family members led the crowd around local beauty spot Hollingworth Lake.

The money raised was being split between Cystic Fibrosis charities and Booths Hall Children's Hospital, where Joe was treated for the condition.

Mr Geeling, from Bury, said: "It has been brilliant, I am really proud."

"Joe's schoolmates have been extra-ordinary, and the teachers, and there has been a good turn out from the police."

Det Supt Martin Bottomley, who led the investigation into Joe's murder, said: "It has affected a lot of people and they all wanted to show their support to Joe's family and raise money for Cystic Fibrosis.

"We all realise what Joe meant not just to his family, but to the whole community, that's why more than 400 people have turned out to support his memory."

Hamer was jailed for a minimum of 12 years and three appeal court judges are currently considering whether this was too lenient.