A Corrie icon is kicking off the New Year with a sports challenge in support of a local charity.

Actor and charity patron Julie Hesmondhalgh, from Accrington, is supporting Maundy Relief’s new fundraising campaign and is inviting anyone planning to undertake a sporting challenge in 2023 to ‘Do it for Maundy’.

The premise is simple – if your New Year’s resolution is to run a 10K or marathon, tackle a trek or complete any physical challenge, then Julie is suggesting to go the extra mile and raise funds for a local charity making a real difference in the community.

Speaking on the importance of the fundraiser challenge, Julie said: “Maundy Relief is 25 years old in 2023 and to mark this special anniversary we are asking people to fundraise on the back of any sporting challenges they are doing this year.

“It’s so easy to fundraise through JustGiving and the money you raise will help ensure Maundy Relief can continue their excellent work for as long as it is needed.”

Beccy Murrell, operations manager at Maundy Relief said: “We are delighted that Julie is supporting our new fundraising campaign and we really welcome anyone who wants to get involved.

“We want to raise £25,000 to support Maundy Relief’s work in providing food, accommodation, advice and health services for people in need in Hyndburn. Julie is so well-known and loved by local people, we know that her involvement will encourage people to take up the challenge.”

This is the first time the charity has organised a fundraiser challenge and they hope by Julie leading from the front, it will inspire others to get on board.

Beccy added: “We’re here to respond to people’s needs and they’re bigger than ever at the moment and funding is so much harder to find. People love to do sports challenges, so we just thought why not make it possible for people to do that while also making a difference to those in need in Hyndburn”

To get involved in the ‘Do it for Maundy’ sporting challenge, call 01254 232328, email info@maundyrelief.org.uk or visit the Maundy Relief website to talk about your fundraising challenge and to register for your free fundraising pack.