RUNNERS have been throwing their support behind the River Reeves Foundation’s Big 2-1 project to mark what would have been the Viola Beach guitarist’s 21st birthday.

River’s dad and step mum, Ben and Sharon Dunne, are aiming to raise £21,000 to mark the day he would have turned 21, December 14.

Kind-hearted runners from the Run Geek weekend social event raised £472 in a single day for the foundation and groups across the town are getting ready to lace up their trainers to back the campaign.

Sharon said: “People are just amazing. The running community is so strong in Warrington and very supportive.

“We are hoping to raise more than £9,000 to get the mental health bus up and running. And we want to help 10 disadvantaged students learn to play guitar each year.

“There are so many kids who are interested in performing arts and we don’t want them to lose that talent forever.”

Sharon has helped to design rainbow Riv’s Runners vests and medals for people taking part in the club’s events.

And she is hoping to get her own bus driving licence so she can help out with the music and mental health vehicles.

She said: “Running is such a big part of mental health so it really fits with the campaign.

“We’re absolutely optimistic about raising the money. Sometimes it’s hard work but when people jump on board it makes it easier.”

Anyone can get involved thanks to the foundation’s virtual run and other events include a 2.1km run at Victoria Park on December 1 at 3pm, a Warrington Running Club social run on November 27, a Lymm Running Club event on December 21.

For more information about events near you or for other ways to get involved with the project visit riverreevesfoundation.org/big-21-project.