KEEN runners from the Stroud Valleys are raising money for a chest disease charity.

To raise money for the fund, member of the Stroud Valleys Running Club (SVRC) have pledged to run, walk, swim or bike 5k each and every day of May.

Money raised through sponsorship will go to the clubs nominated charity this year, The Gloucestershire Chest Fund.

The charity is a small local non-profit making registered organisation formed in 1991 by Mrs Doreen Roberts.

Its main objective is to help create centres of excellence for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of chest diseases in the county of Gloucestershire.

They provide specialist high-tech equipment not yet available on the NHS to Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals.

In addition to SVRC’s sporting efforts, a raffle is being held at the club’s Spring Night Out, with prizes such as cakes, beauty treatments, and sports massage, all donated by local individuals and businesses.

Over the course of the month, members of running club are raising as much money as possible to support the worthwhile cause.

“We pride ourselves on ourselves on being a supportive club,” said Steve Townsend, SVRC founder and running coach.

“This charity does fantastic work in supporting Gloucester hospitals and ensuring that patients under have the opportunity to access state of the art equipment.

“Without this charity and the funds they raise patients may not have had this treatment as the NHS simply could not afford to put this in place as quickly as it’s needed.

“We are proud to support The Gloucester Chest Fund and hope to raise as much money as possible. Everyone is looking forward to the challenge and to raising as much money as we can.”

Ron Hannam, Fundraiser for The Gloucestershire Chest Fund, said he was delighted with the club’s support.

“The money raised will go exclusively to two new pieces of lung function equipment for the two hospitals. This technology will make patients lives so much easier, so the efforts of the SRVC really are invaluable,” he said.

SVRC was founded in the summer of last year and is a mixed ability, mixed gender, mixed ability running club, aimed mostly at the recreational runner who wants to improve their running or train towards specific races.

Meeting 4 times a week, the club now has over 40 members and offers a varied training programme that teaches technique and form and features sessions specifically designed to build strength and stamina.

To donate, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/svrcmaychallenge

For more information on the club visit: http://www.svrun.co.uk