All heart for charity run

10:12am Monday 25th February 2008

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MORE THAN 400 people ran in the second Lydiard Park fun run for the British Heart Foundation.

The Mayor of Swindon, councillor Michael Barnes, set the competitors on their way yesterday morning.

Runners had the option of completing a 3km, 6km or 9km circuit.

The aim of the day was to raise as much money as possible for the good cause to fund research, vital education and care of the BHF.

Organisers have earmarked a target of between £15,000 and £20,000 they hope to be generated in sponsorship.

Grange Park resident Andrew Morton ran the race for his granddad Robert Wallace who is 83.

"He has had three heart attacks so obviously the heart foundation is my preferred charity," said the 29-year-old.

"The middle lap was the hardest, especially knowing you still have one more to go.

"I was a bit out of practice and haven't run like that since I was 18."

Jenny Hatton, 29, from Oxford, was another with a special reason to run for the foundation. Her 65-year-old dad from Old Town had heart by-pass surgery a year ago.

"He's been telling me all week how proud he is of me," said Jenny.

"I must have raised about £200, which is great news.

"The race was my first. I've done 6km in training but never run 9km so that was another challenge.

"The worst part were the hills - they were killers."

Les Osgood had travelled from Bristol to take part.

"This is my first off-road event," said the 56-year-old.

"There's a real friendly atmosphere here."

Simon Pugh, 39, from the town centre, added: "It was a great experience and was well organised.

"It will act as good preparation for when I take part in the London Marathon."

British Heart Found-ation organiser Andy Coles said: "We're really pleased so many people have given up their Sunday morning to take part.

"We thanks them all for their support.

"Events like this are important in the continuing fight against heart disease.

"We hope to see everyone back here next year."