WALKERS and runners are being encouraged to don their tracksuits and take part in this year’s Hackpen Hill 10K Challenge for Brighter Futures.

For the second year in a row, running group Wroughton Whippets is organising a 10 kilometre off-road route using the tracks and farm fields skirting the historic Ridgeway trail.

Around 400 people are expected to take part and every penny raised will go towards the radiotherapy appeal.

Paul Bailey, race director, said: “It is a challenging course, but a fantastic one.

“It is basically just a fun event where people come to enjoy themselves, with cakes and a barbecue afterwards.”

The race starts at Weir Farm, Broad Hinton, and takes in the surrounding areas of natural beauty.

Weir Farm is owned by James Hussey, who has been involved with fundraising for Brighter Futures after his wife Gill lost her battle with cancer in 2014.

Paul said: “When I came up with the idea of doing a run around the farm, I put it to James he was very supportive of the idea.

“The reason I chose Brighter Futures is because every time I think of it I think of Gill and to support her memory is really important.”

Weir Farm has recently been in the news after a mysterious crop circle appeared overnight. James decided to charge people to come and see it, with every penny going straight to Brighter Futures.

“Everything we have done has been for Brighter Futures,” said Paul. “They are a superb charity but still little-known in Swindon, which is surprising. But it is such an amazing charity.

“And it is going to be a fantastic event – hopefully we will get the weather.

“Last year we managed to raise just under £6,000 for Brighter Futures, so it would be great if we could get even more this year. For a very minimum amount of effort it produces quite a good sum of money."

Speaking of the need to bring radiotherapy to Swindon, Paul said: “Local people should not have to go to Oxford in this day and age. It is ridiculous.

“If everybody in Swindon donated just a few pounds we could have a radiotherapy unit built in a year, easily.”

The run takes place on Sunday, September 18 and starts at 10am for walkers and 10.30am for runners.

It costs £13 per person and people are encouraged either to make a donation or to raise sponsorship.

To sign up for the race, visit www.entrycentral.com/hackpenhill10ktrail or email hackpen10k@gmail.com.

James recently told the Adver: “Radiotherapy is so important because it gives people more opportunities to live life and we need to do all we can to make it easier for them by having a unit in Swindon. It’s something that must happen and needs to happen soon.”

So far £875,000 has been raised for Brighter Futures. The team is very grateful for every single donation and wish to thank everyone for their support. To donate you can send cut out and send in the attached form or log on to www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.