DAREDEVILS, fitness fanatics and curious kids are already limbering up for a year of charity challenges.

The Brighter Futures team have launched their programme of runs, skydives and cycle events.

They’re calling on would-be fundraisers to sign up - and help them hit their £2.9m radiotherapy appeal target.

Days before Christmas, the team announced that Swindon people had helped them top the £2m mark.

The charity cash will help kit-out a state-of-the-art radiotherapy centre at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital.

After an Easter egg hunt event for children in March, the appeal will put on their Superhero Run in April.

The Coate Water fun run is “perfect” for those taking part in the NHS “couch to 5k” challenge, the charity’s Chloe Thomas said.

She added: “It’s a great one for families to get involved in. Any children who dress up for the run always tug on my heart - when you see them as Spiderman or the Hulk. 

“But one of the best outfits I’ve seen was from the first year we did the Superhero Run. We had a gentleman dressed up as a granny. His friends pushed him around.”

The charity hopes to hit its £2.9m target by the end of the year. The appeal total currently stands at £2m.

Chloe said: “The support that we’ve seen from the public - especially in December - has been fantastic. 

“The fact that we smashed the £2m Christmas target shows how passionate people are in the community. I think raising £900,000 this year is more than achievable.”

Highlights for the year will include:

  • Easter egg hunt, Swindon Rugby Club - March 25
  • Superhero Run 5k and 10k, Coate Water - April 29
  • Sponsored skydive, Salisbury - June 2
  • Annual bike ride from Great Western Hospital, with 20, 45 or 70 mile routes - June 10
  • Swindon Half Marathon - September 9
  • Gala Dinner Ball - October
  • Reindeer Run, Coate Water - December 2

Winning a new radiotherapy centre for Swindon would be a “huge relief” for cancer patients, Chloe said.

To sign up for Brighter Futures’ events, visit: www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk or call 01793 605631.