SEVEN pub goers are putting on their running shoes to raise money for Christie's Hospital.

Regulars at the Melville pub in Stretford are setting off today (Thursday) for the country long relay run from Lands End to John O'Groats - a staggering 900 miles.

And the runners are hoping for a bumper contribution from a generous public, as any money they raise will be matched by Holt's Brewery.

Says runner Roy Egan: "This is not a one off event for us and we do not embark on such activities without proper planning, safety considerations and of course training. We have had to raise over £2,000 just to be able to stage the event so are looking at a target of £5,000 to raise for Christie's.

It's not the first run the group have done. In 1990 they completed a 470 mile run from Trafford Park to Ciba Geigy Pharmaceuticals in Horsham followed by runs from Blackpool Tower to the Eiffel tower and John O'Groats to Land's End in 1994.

They have also completed a twin town run between Salford and Luenen in Germany to raise funds for the Scott Rhodes research fund at the Royal Brompton hospital in London, as well as raising funds for Trafford and Hope hospitals.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the runners can contact Roy on 0161 864 1592.

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