RUNNERS in Swindon are being urged to brave the elements this November and pull on their trainers in support of homeless charity Threshold.

Runvember is the brain child of 45-year-old Alan Butler and the idea is to complete a run, of any distance, every day throughout November.

Billed as ‘30 runs in 30 days for Swindon’s homeless’, the event requires runners – or ‘Runvembrians’, as they are comically known – to pledge the minimum distance they will run each day, be it one mile or 50.

Participants will then be given an official Runvember stamped box which they must fill with essentials such as tinned food, clothing, a sleeping bag and soap.

Alan, who lives in Royal Wootton Bassett, said: “Runvember was something I did last year and it proved really popular.

“This year I decided to do it for Threshold because it’s a really good cause.

“People can either donate specific items or put together a survival pack containing lots of different things, from sleeping bags to toiletries.”

The initiative starts on November 1 and Alan has encouraged as ease the plight of the homeless this Christmas.

Explaining why he chose to help Threshold, Alan said: “Seeing homeless people sitting there on the streets every morning is a terrible sight, it simply should not be happening.

“It’s freezing cold in November and they are out there sleeping on the streets, I just don’t get it. In this day and age people shouldn’t have to sleep in shop doorways.”

Sarah Maddocks, the business manager at Threshold, said: “It is brilliant that Alan is doing this because it is really important that we have members of the community supporting us in this way.

“I would like to thank Alan and all of the runners for their support during Runvember.

“The survival packs are essential for any rough sleepers facing the prospect of the cold winter nights.

“Fundraising activities and support from the community is vital in order for us to run all our services.

“We are a local charity that has been helping homeless people, or people with the potential threat of becoming homeless, for over 40 years.

“Hopefully Runvember will be a huge success.”

Getting into the festive spirit, Alan reminded potential Runvembrians: “A Christmas themed-chocolate must be included, too. Remember, you’re playing Santa and helping to make Christmas a little more special for the homeless in Swindon.”

To sign up log on to www. runvember.co.uk.