Food bank supplies collected by RunTogether West Berkshire group

A running group has collected more than 130kg of supplies for a local food bank – and then run over there.

RunTogether West Berkshire, which was established nearly 10 years ago, took part in the national initiative last month.

Originally the idea of Sarah Don, she asked the running community all over UK to come together to help the community.

Food bank use has soared in recent years but traditionally February is a month when supplies and donations are down, so it was chosen as the time for running clubs to help out.

The West Berkshire run collected and donated the items after running a route to the drop off point at The Kennet Christian Centre on Enborne Road.

“It was a pleasure to do this for our local food bank,” said Sue Bennett, RunTogether West Berkshire coordinator. “We were met by Laura the deputy food bank manager and treated to hot drinks, pastries and delicious cakes afterwards.”

Nationwide, more than 500 groups have got involved in the initiative, donating over 77,000kg of supplies – or 336,875 meals for families and individuals.

RunTogether West Berkshire provides free sessions of running for all; its eldest runner is in her late 70s.

Dedicated, trained Run Leaders and Run Coaches host sessions that regularly see up to 20 runners taking part.