I’m an 85-year-old athlete chosen to be face of Adidas ad with Mo Salah – but I only said yes once they met my demands

AN INCREDIBLE 85-year-old grandmother who recently broke her 10k running time will appear alongside Mo Salah in Adidas’ new advert.

Retired college lecturer Barbara Thackray only started running eight years ago to raise money for St Ann’s Hospice in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

St Ann’s HospiceBarbara Thackray celebrated her 85th birthday by completing the Run North West Trafford 10k run with a personal best[/caption]

St Ann’s HospiceBarbara has been a loyal fundraiser for St Ann’s Hospice, who cared for her sister before she passed away[/caption]

Barbara was asked if she’d seen the new ad, she told the BBC: “Well I’ve only seen it vaguely, yeah on a little screen.”

And how does she feel about her new found fame?

“Fine”, she humbly replied.

She continued: “So long as they were [Adidas] were prepared to make a significant donation to St Ann’s Hospice, I felt okay about it.”

The hospice holds a sentimental place for Barbara as her sister passed away there in the 1990s, and she has since given back to the charity for the excellent care her sister received.

This month, Barbara completed the Run North West Trafford 10k run, where she was the only runner in the 80+ category.

In front of her 20 proud family members, she achieved a personal best time of 85 minutes.

Her work has also attracted admiration from St Ann’s Hospice.

Lucy Leeming, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “The awareness Barbara has raised across Greater Manchester for the importance and vitality of St Ann’s Hospice has undeniably helped raise funds and awareness for our charity.

“Her passion and dedication to towards our charity shines through in everything she does for us, we’re so grateful to have her support.”