SUN shone brightly down on the 140 runners who took part in a sponsored run in a Broad Hinton farm’s latest fundraising event in aid of Great Western Hospital’s Brighter Futures appeal.

Despite the poor forecast participants in the Hackpen Hill 10k Trail Run chased along the difficult route in sunshine on Sunday morning to raise money for the £2.9m radiotherapy appeal.

It took racers off-road around the farm and took in some of the best sights Swindon has to offer, with the Ridgeway and Barbury Castle nearby.

The event was one of a number of fundraising drives – including a crop circle attraction – at the farm inspired by the memory of Gill Hussey, the wife of the farm’s owner James, who died at the end of 2014 after a long fight with cancer.

Electrician and runner Paul Bailey, who organised the event, said: “We must have had 140 people running the event and everyone who came back said how well organised it was.

“The route wasn’t easy, it was inspired by some of Gill’s favourite places and the route she used to horse ride on, and there was quite a big hill to climb.

“We’re definitely thinking about holding it again next year.

“I think it was something Gill would have really liked, and I think she was smiling down on us, and parting the clouds so the sun shone through.”

Paul, 40, of Perry’s Lane in Wroughton, wanted to create something which would help create a new radiotherapy centre and end the tiresome Oxford journey for Swindon’s cancer patients.

While the exact amount of money raised is still being counted he estimated the event doubled their original £1,500 target.

“We think we’ve raised around £3,500, which is fantastic," he said.

“Everyone put in a really big effort.

“I just want to say a big thank you to the team who helped organise it and also to James, who’s given 120 per cent of his support and help.

“He was quite emotional when I suggested we do something in her memory, as most people would if somebody wanted to recognise your wife’s life and what she lived for.”