RUNNER Mark Findlay bagged some new trainers thanks to the kindness of a Swindon shop.

The 23-year-old, who has special educational needs, was kitted out with a new pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS, socks and a T-shirt by Run Swindon.

They had heard from his support worker that Mark was doing good mile times and had his sights set on a five-mile race in Swindon.

He said: “I’m really happy. I’m overwhelmed. I’ve got loads of people that have got my back. I love my shoes.”

Mark started running with the help of his support worker from Open Doors Caroline Blundsden who introduced him to the Swindon Shin Splints group.

Now he's hoping to take part in the Commonweal five-mile run on May 13.

Caroline said: “From the group, he gained confidence.

"Now he goes on his own and get’s there on his own which is a big achievement.

“You can already tell his confidence is starting to build in a really big way.

"It’s something to focus on and it gives him a bit of a challenge because Mark needs that."

Will Middler, assistant manager at Run Swindon in Wood Street, said: “We were approached by Caroline who said Mark was really enjoying his running.

"He was doing incredible times with seven-minute miles.

"Because he was really motived, and they said he really needs a pair of shoes because he’s wearing a knocked pair, so we said we had a pair for him.

"I’m just really glad he likes them and to see his reaction was definitely rewarding for us. We were really happy to do it.”

Volunteer at Swindon Shin Splints Steve Goulding said: “Mark was really enjoying the sessions we’ve been doing on the track.

"He’s fitted in well. He’s teamed up with a guy called Richard on there and they're pushing each other quite hard.

"Now, from being a little bit worried about being part of the group, Mark is almost part of the furniture.”

“We’ve got a couple of other people where it’s really brought them out of themselves. Exercise is a good thing to interact with people because you’ve got something in common. You feel a bit of a connection after the session and it works quite well.”

The Open Door Centre in Swindon aims to make a positive difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities, helping them become independent through a range of activities to build confidence and self-esteem.