Take on the Swindon Half for Brighter Futures

Dust off your running trainers and get ready for the Swindon Half Marathon. Join the Brighter Futures charity, and show your support as they aim to raise funds for a Radiotherapy treatment unit in Swindon.

This year the Brighter Futures, charity for Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is encouraging locals to run the half marathon in support of its Radiotherapy Appeal.

On October 11^th the 13.1 mile challenge will feature alongside the multi-terrain, wheelchair and fun run so there is something for newbie runners and seasoned veterans alike.

This will be the events 12^th year, and it is the perfect opportunity to do your bit in helping to bring radiotherapy to Swindon. Last week the appeal hit the £100,000 mark, but with a £2.9 million target, there is still a long way to go.

Brighter Futures’ very own Fundraising Administrator, Lisa Utting, is looking forward to taking part in the event, as it concludes a trio of half marathons she’ll be running in support of the charity.

Running has been the catalyst for Lisa’s healthier life. She will be running this October in aid of the Brighter Futures’ Radiotherapy Appeal which is a cause particularly close to her heart.

Lisa said: “I started running, gave up smoking and I’ve never looked back.

“I lost my uncle to cancer last year and I know that he struggled with travelling to Oxford for treatment. It may sound silly, but when you’re that unwell such a long trip can put you off receiving the treatment you need.

“Having radiotherapy available in Swindon will make a real difference to the lives of so many.”

Around 700 cancer patients a year from the Great Western Hospital are faced with a 70 mile round trip to Oxford’s Churchill Hospital for radiotherapy treatment. Thanks to Brighter Futures’ work with Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust (OUH) and the generosity of the local community, all of that could be changed.

Brighter Futures’ is running several events to raise money to purchase the equipment, which will deliver the radiotherapy in OUH’s new facility at GWH, set to open in 2017.

Upcoming events include:

* Charity car wash at Stratton Fire Station, 29 August
* Hackpen Hill 10k Trail Run, 13 September
* Ride for Radiotherapy bike ride, 20 September
* Black and White Ball, 17 October
* Rotary Club Run, 18 October.