ENERGETIC fundraisers dashed off from the starting line dressed in colourful tutus to raise £400 for a newly-registered charity.

The team of 12 runners braved the rain for the 5km Electric Run at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium in aid of Annabelle’s Challenge.

The organisation, which was granted official charity status earlier last month, is named after five-year-old Bury girl Annabelle Griffin.

Annabelle, of Wilby Close, suffers from rare genetic condition Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which causes collagen deficiency and puts her at daily risk of the rupture of her internal organs and arteries.

Runners included Annabelle’s parents, Jared and Sarah Griffin, her 17-year-old brother, Ryan, trustees Gemma Hall and Sarah Ward, and patron Emily Ward.

Sarah Ward said: “We all had a great time and for such a great cause, which is raising awareness and funds for research into Vascular EDS.”

On May 19, Jared and Ryan joined three other teammates to race in the BUPA Greater Manchester 10km in aid of national charity Ehlers-Danlos Support UK.

Runners Hannah Alderson, James Todd and Greg Pierce also took part and the team has raised £100 so far.

Annabelle’s Challenge raises awareness of and funds research into Annabelle’s life-limiting and incurable condition.

The campaign was originally established last spring following Annabelle’s diagnosis in December, 2012.

Jared said: “We are grateful for the support helping to raise awareness of Ehlers-Danlos Syn-drome. We look forward to taking part in the Colour Run this July.”

Annabelle’s Challenge is hosting a charity ball at the De Vere Village Hotel in Bury in aid of Ehlers-Danlos Support UK tomorrow.

To make a donation to the Electric Run team: go to annabelleschallenge.org For the Manchester 10km runners: go to justgiving.com/TeamAJ