PHYSIO John Lock will go through the pain barrier himself on September 22 in a bid to raise cash for some badly needed medical equipment for Chippenham Town.

Lock, 27, and girlfriend Helen Budd are currently in training for the Bristol Half Marathon. They have entered as part of a 30-strong team primarily to raise money for the National Sports Medical Institute of the UK, but Lock is also keen to raise funds for the Bluebirds and hopes the club's supporters will dig deep to help him in his quest.

The queue outside Lock's treatment room has been a lengthy one in recent weeks. Shane Andrews, Steve Tweddle, Adie Mings and Tom Gould have all been frequent visitors and Lock believes he and sports therapist Rob Ferguson need all the help they can get.

He said: "I'm running for the National Medical Institute and got involved through my girlfriend who works for Lloyds TSB. We hope to raise £200 each for them.

"But I thought I might try and raise money for the club on a separate sheet as well and Simon Main is assisting me on the website. Danielle and Jessica Swanborough have said they'll help.

"We are always in need of medical equipment and the pressure on Rob and myself is growing all the time.

"Even basic things like strappings and massage oil aren't cheap and I think the club paid out nearly £500 before the season started. If I can raise £100 or £200, it might save them some money later in the season.''

Lock, who works as a buyer for Honda in Swindon, will be stepping into the unknown when he lines up alongside thousands of other runners next weekend.

He said: "This is the first I have done. Helen and I run three times a week and are up to eight miles at the moment.''

Anyone interested in sponsoring Lock can contact Simon Main at: simon@chippenhamtownfc.co.uk or see Danielle or Jessica Swanborough at Saturday's home game against Ilkeston Town.