Former Bradford on Avon footballer Craig Guthrie has got back on his feet ahead of his Bath Half challenge, thanks to a Trowbridge Chiropodist.

The 33-year-old plumber from Melksham is in training for the run in memory of his father Robert, who died of throat cancer last year, and is hoping to raise funds for the Bath RUH’s Forever Friends appeal.

His preparations had been delayed by a ruptured cruciate ligament last year, but after a local chiropodist read his story in the Wiltshire Times he could soon be on track for success.

Peter Wilkinson runs the Trowbridge Chiropodist at St George’s Works. He said: “I read about his injury in the Wiltshire Times and wanted to offer my services.

“He had had a bit of a knockback losing his dad, and my wife works for Dorothy House, so it just reached out and touched me, and I thought I should offer to help send him on his way.”

Craig said: “Training’s not going too bad, the same as before really. I think I am just getting too old for it.

“It’s a really kind offer of him, and I really hope it will help.”

To donate to Craig’s appeal visit www.justgiving.com/ craigguthrie