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Greg James from Radio 1 to DJ at CoppaFeel! charity event at Paddock Wood Hop Farm

12:00, 30 March 2016

updated: 12:05, 30 March 2016

Radio 1 drivetime DJ Greg James will be guiding runners through a Silent Disco Dash, at the Hop Farm for charity.

Greg will be on the decks at the course, near Paddock Wood, helping participants run, jog, walk or swagger through a 5K or 10K event in aid of breast cancer charity, CoppaFeel!

Organisers believe it is the first time a silent disco has been combined with a charity run.

Coppafeel! patron, Greg James, was lined up to DJ at the event in Paddock Wood
Coppafeel! patron, Greg James, was lined up to DJ at the event in Paddock Wood

Greg became a patron for the CoppaFeel! charity in 2013 after hearing about the work through his former colleague, Fearne Cotton.

He said: "I think it’s really important that people know breast cancer is common in women and young men as well, for me it’s really important to be involved in.

"It’s quite a privilege to spread the word and use the powers I have, not like a superhero, but the different platforms and followers I have access to can help get more people into fundraising."

Greg has completed several half marathons himself for the cause, and says that runners can expect a more relaxed feel at The Hop Farm.

"It’s an experiment, we don’t want people to think it’s a serious half marathon kind of thing, it’s for people to dress up and come and enjoy it with their mates."

He will be joined by a second, as yet unannounced, DJ on the decks as they play motivational tunes, as well as passing on messages through the headphones to the runners.

Radio 1 DJ Greg James
Radio 1 DJ Greg James

The Radio 1 drivetime host was instrumental in coming up with the Silent Disco Dash idea and took part in a ‘Gregathlon’ – five triathlons in five cities over five days – for Sport Relief this year, raising more than £1 million.

The 30-year-old ran, cycled and swam a total of 246.3 miles through Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow and Norwich between February 8-12 and says he's still feeling the pain.

"I don't think I've physically or mentally fully recovered yet, it was such a challenge but for a good cause. Watching the documentary back I don't even recognise myself, I was like a man possessed."

He added listening to music and having words of encouragement helped him complete the task: "It really pushes you and helps you get through and I hope I can help the runners at the Disco Dash."

The Silent Disco Dash will be on Sunday, May 22 at the Hop Farm family park.

Visit www.silentdiscodash.com for more information.

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