This year’s Corsham St George’s Day 10k race will be run in honour of firefighter Martin O’Shea, who was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

Nearly 900 people took part in the annual challenge last year, raising over £5,000 in the process, and the organisers are hoping to enlist over 1,000 runners this year.

The main charity beneficiary will be the Motor Neurone Disease Association, which supports sufferers and their families, as well as funding research into the debilitating illness.

Friends and family of Mr O’Shea, who used to play for Corsham Town FC, have already raised hundreds of pounds for the charity, with a sporting memorabilia auction and a charity football match last month.

A 2k fun run takes place in the grounds of Corsham Court, at 9.45am on April 28. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three finishers in all individual and team races, with each entrant also receiving a goody bag.

A St George’s Day theme will also be in place, with fun runners encouraged to dress as either George or a dragon.

The main race starts and ends at Corsham Town Football Club, on Lacock Road, at 11am. Register at www.corshamrunningclub.co.uk/stgeorges