DOZENS of runners are strapping on their boots and getting ready to get set to run a 78-mile relay to help house the homeless.

Homelessness charity Threshold Housing Link’s Run4Home event will this year take place on May 9, and will see joggers and cyclists take part in a sponsored relay across the Thames Path and the Ridgeway from Runnymede to Swindon.

Participants will make the epic journey in nine different stages, raising money to support some of the town’s most vulnerable people.

The annual pilgrimage was inspired by ex-RAF serviceman ‘Andrew’, who fell homeless after struggling to adjust to civilian life after 12 years in the forces and was helped by the charity.

However, after again falling into depression, an epic journey helped him get his life back on track.

A Threshold spokesman said: “The idea for this event was inspired by an ex-serviceman from Swindon, who had become homeless and having hit rock bottom he found himself on Tower Bridge and was on the verge of jumping into the river and ending it all.

“A passer-by spent some time talking to him and convinced him to go home. This he did by walking the entire distance from London to Swindon.

“The man, with our support, went on to hold down a job and live in accommodation with a secure tenancy.

“Threshold’s Run4Home started as one man’s long journey back from the edge. Threshold have made that journey again and again for a number of years to raise funds to provide vital services to Swindon’s homeless.”

On returning to Culvery Court, Andrew realised there wasn’t a vacancy for him, and realising what it felt like to be turned away from a ‘last chance hostel’ was the push he needed to make the change in his life.

When a vacancy arose, Andrew moved into Culvery Court and then on to one of Threshold’s move-on houses. This gradual transition helped Andrew to settle in his own rental accommodation and with the help of ‘floating support’.

He later went on to land a job and move into permanent accommodation with a secure tenancy.

The spokesman said: “Andrew isn’t special or unique to Threshold, in his desperation or his willingness to chance his life around, but his journey was a long one and we aim to mark it every year with our sponsored Run4Home.”

Teams can consist of up to nine people and the entry fee is £15 a person. Each participant generating more than £100 in sponsorship can reclaim their event entry fee.

All money raised will provide replacement beds, mattresses and bedding for homeless people in Threshold projects.

For more information or to find out how you can sign up, phone Threshold on 01793 524661 or email phil.smith@thl.org.uk. Alternatively visit thl.org.uk