BRIGHTER Futures' radiotherapy appeal has had a welcome boost after receiving a nearly £6,000 donation following a sponsored run in Broad Hinton last month.

Hundreds of runners took to the Hackpen Hill 10k Trail Run on September 2013 in aid of the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's charitable arm, which needs to raise £2.9m to bring a dedicated radiotherapy unit to Swindon.

Earlier this month James Hussey, who owns Weir Farm where the event took place, presented a cheque for £5,894.44 to Jennifer Green, head of Brighter Futures.

The event was one of a number of fundraising drives – including a crop circle attraction – at the farm inspired by the memory of James' wife Gill, who died at the end of 2014 after a long fight with cancer.

The run itself was organised by electrician and runner Paul Bailey, who said James as touched when he suggested organising event in Gill's memory.

“He was quite emotional when I suggested we do something in her memory, as most people would if somebody wanted to recognise your wife’s life and what she lived for," said the 40-year-old of Perry's Lane, Wroughton.

“The route wasn’t easy, it was inspired by some of Gill’s favourite places and the route she used to horse ride on, and there was quite a big hill to climb.

“I think it was something Gill would have really liked, and I think she was smiling down on us, and parting the clouds so the sun shone through.

"We’re definitely thinking about holding it again next year."

The run came a month after James, 57, teamed up with long-time crop circle researcher Paul Jacobs to make a crop circle raise money for the cause.

"I know first-hand how important it is to have radiotherapy treatment locally – it’s going to happen and I am enthused by Brighter Futures’ fundraising appeal," he said at the time.

“The journey to Oxford for treatment for people is a long and difficult one and it really is so important that we raise this money and bring radiotherapy treatment to the Great Western Hospital.”

People can find out more about the appeal - and make a donation - via the Brighter Futures website at www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk. People can also donate by texting SWIN29, followed by your donation of £5 or £10, to 70070.

A Just Giving site is also running at campaign.justgiving.com/charity/greatwestern/radiotherapy. Contact the charity on 01793 605631.