SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: A SWINDON-based insurance company has pledged its support for runners entering a race around Hyde Park.

Jenny Elsby and more than 40 other walkers and runners from Swindon and Marlborough will be taking part in the Flora Light Challenge to raise money for Macmillan nurses.

And they will be helped along by the Heath Lambert Group, in Temple Street, which is good news for our Swindon Cancer Appeal.

Jenny, 53, an account handler at Heath Lambert, is a committee member for the Swindon branch of Macmil-lan Cancer Relief.

She will be joined by the energetic appeal manager Graziella Campisano.

Jenny said: "People are very supportive, especially those at Heath Lambert, who are funding the coach and petrol for a mini-bus that the committee has provided.

"The company is going to sponsor us for £750 too, which is great. A lot of people in Aspen House sponsored us last year and also some from Head Office.

"We raised £2,200 and there was only 15 of us then. So hopefully the amount will be trebled this time."

Jenny will have no problem completing the three-and-a-half mile circuit.

She said. "I don't drive so I ride my bike everywhere, and go dancing twice a week and also do yoga.

"I've started walking to and from work twice a week. It used to take me 35 minutes but I've got it down to 30 now, so I guess it's working."

Graziella said: "It's great to see so many people taking part this year.."

Meanwhile author and broadcaster, Arabella Weir, is challenging women in Swindon and Marlborough to join her in the event on September 14.

Arabella said: "Taking part in the Flora Light Challenge for Women is an unforgettable experience, even if, like me, you're secretly more keen on having a latte and chocolate croissant.

"It's a manageable distance even if you stroll it.

"There's an incredible team spirit which is even more exhilarating when you realise that every step you take is helping Macmillan Cancer Relief support people living with cancer."

For more information about the challenge call the appeal office in Milton Road on 01793 601636.

There's still time to take part in the Castles Moun-tain Bike Ride on Sunday.

More than 120 people have so far signed up for the ride, which starts at 10am at the Croft Sports Centre in Marlborough Lane.

Cyclists can choose from a 10, 15 or 25-mile route.

Entry for the ride, which is sponsored by Skurrays Vauxhall, costs £4. Accom-panied children under 16 years pay £2, and entry on the day costs £10.

For details and entry forms call Jill Greenaway on 01793 521630 or e-mail jillgreenaway@ntlworld.com

The Internet Link is www.macmillan.org.uk/floralight

n The Swindon Cancer Appeal in aid of Macmillan aims to raise enough money for two new Macmillan nurses for the Great Western Hospital and a specialist consultant in cancer care who will work at the GWH and the Prospect Hospice.

It will cost about £600,000 to fund these posts for three years, after which the NHS will take over. Some of the money raised will also go towards a fund for a part-time anaesthetist.

To make a donation to the appeal online, click here.

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.