Have fun on the run and get fit (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Have fun on the run and get fit

Picture Ref: 78882-22SWINDON AND PROUD: A KEEP-FIT group has organised a fun run to boost the community spirit in Penhill.

Jenny Gibbs, 26, organiser of the race, says she wants as many people as possible to take part and is placing the emphasis firmly on fun.

Jenny, of Shrewton Walk, who runs the Penhill Keep Fit Group, said: "What we're trying to do is raise the community spirit.

"Years ago there used to be a Penhill carnival and we thought it would be a bit ambitious to try to put that on again.

"Maybe we'll do that in a few years but for now we're hoping this will be a success."

The Penhill Keep-Fit Group was set up last September and is based at St Peter's church.

They meet from 9.30am to 11am on Mondays and 1.15pm to 2.45pm on Thursdays and each session costs £2 with a free crche available.

The run is the group's way of celebrating a recent £1,100 grant from the Lottery Fund.

Jenny said: "We are thrilled to get this money. For a group like ours, this is a large sum of money.

"We have worked hard to develop this project and now we are encouraging all local organisations to get involved in the run.

"It means we have the opportunity to help raise the community spirit around Penhill.

"Having this grant gives us the chance to get men, women and children active.

"We want as many people as we can get and the more the merrier."

The fun run, which has different categories for adults and children, will be between 11am and 2pm on Saturday, August 20.

It is free to take part and it will start and finish at St Peter's church.

Local councillors have given their backing to the run. Coun Andy Harrison, (Lab, Penhill) said: "Anything that encourages people to get together as a community and take positive action, be that through sport or anything else, is good for the community.

"It's very important that people remember they are not just individuals, they are part of a wider community.

"I support the fun run whole heartedly."

Coun David Glaholm, (Lab, Penhill) added: "Anything that builds community spirit is a great idea.

"The fact that one of our local groups has got lottery money shows that local groups do benefit and not just the big opera companies who seem to get all the money, which does nothing for the people I represent."

For further information please contact Jenny Gibbs on 01793 724167 or email Jenny.Gibbs@btconnect.com

Gareth Bethell