Joanne Malin on board for Birmingham Mail fun run

Apr 10 2008 By Alison Dayani

TV PRESENTER Joanne Malin had decided to give herself a well earned rest this year from strenuous charity activities after treking in the Grand Canyon and jogging across city parks for good causes.

But the 41-year-old couldn't resist getting back in training when she heard about the Birmingham Mail 5k Fun Run.

The red-headed anchor woman on Central News is now a regular with her chocolate Labrador Maisy in Wythall Park, near her home, as she prepares for the 5km run from Aston Villa Football Club to Alexander Stadium, in Perry Barr, on Sunday, April 27.

Joanne, who will be running with four female colleagues from the ITV studios in Birmingham, said: "This year, I was going to have a year off, but then I sat next to the Birmingham Mail editor Steve Dyson at a dinner and heard all about the Fun Run.

"I have started training as I don't want to do it unless I do it properly as I don't want to be last on the day.

"I run in the park with my dog Maisy, so she is getting fit as well."

Joanne has even joined the Hyatt gym, in the city centre, a stone's throw away from the ITV studios where she works.

"Doing a fun run like this for such good causes is a great way to get back into exercise and raise money for the two charities, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Birmingham Mail Charity Trust," she added.

"My body is aching and stiff though and my husband keeps saying to me 'you are getting older, dear'."

Joanne, who studied performing arts at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy in London before going on to work as a professional dancer and then a broadcast journalist, celebrates a decade with Central News this year.

More than 1,000 runners will gather shortly before 9am on April 27, for the event, including Villa hero Stan Collymore. The runner who raises the most sponsorship money will also win a weekend trip to Dublin.

To enter the run, fill in the application form above and send it with the entry fee to the address shown.