IT IS less than a month until the annual Harefield Hospital Fun Run - and the Gazette wants to hear your stories and fundraising efforts.

The run, which takes place every September, will be raising money for a £1.5million MRI scanner to help give heart and lung patients the most accurate and pain-free diagnosis of their condition.

This year the 5km run will take place on Saturday, September 5, starting in the hospital grounds, and around the roads and fields of Harefield.

Last year, more than 900 runners, including MP Nick Hurd, completed the course, raising a total of £36,000.

One runner who will be taking on the challenge this year is Trevor Day, for whom the run holds a special significance.

On the day of last year's run, Mr Day was in the hospital, having a lung transplant.

To thank the hospital, he has organised a team of 58 friends and family members called 'Trevor's Trotters' to take part in this year's event.

He said: "I had my lung transplant last year at Harefield Hospital and decided that taking part in the fun run would be a great way to show people what having a transplant has meant for my life.

"I want to raise as much money as possible for the hospital which is why I got together Trevor's Trotters.

"I really hope that people will get involved in the fun run and support such a worthwhile cause.

"Taking part in this event is also an important way for me to thank the donor family and show people how much my life has improved."

The fun run starts at 11.30am although there will be other activities, stalls and entertainment from 9.30am to 4pm as well as a raffle with prizes, including golf for four at Moor Park Golf Club, tickets to Royal Ascot and a family ticket to a Wasps game in London.

Participants can choose a one or three-and-a-half-mile course through areas of countryside that are not normally accessible to the public.

By registering in advance, participants pay £7.50 for adults or £3.50 for children. On the day, registration fees will be £10 for adults and £5 for children.

The entrance fee includes a T-shirt and a medal on completion.

To register in advance, application and sponsorship forms for the Harefield Hospital fun run are available from the fundraising office by calling 01895 828 820 or by going to www.fundraising.rbht.nhs.uk.

Jennifer Walton, fundraising director for the RB&H Foundation Trust, said: "We are truly grateful for all the support the local community has given the hospital over the years to make this special event an enjoyable day out for all the family.

"It doesn't matter if you walk or run around the course. We just want people to have a fun, healthy day while supporting a local cause." **The Gazette wants to hear your stories behind why you are taking on the run.

Call 01895 451 000 or email dancoombs@trinitysouth.co.uk.