A POLICE officer is swapping his patrol car for a pair of running shoes to take part in the Stroud half-marathon.
PC Peter Lay will be joining a team of more than 100 runners who are donating their sponsorship money to The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC).
The 48-year-old has been pounding the hills around Stinchcombe in training.
De Witt Watch He is not only driven on by the charity's patron, former England rugby cap and Gloucestershire county cricketer Alastair Hignell, but the memory of his father.
"I lost my dad to MS in the 1980s," he said. "I grew up as a child with him suffering from it. It left quite a heavy mark on me."
He is one of 151 Higgy's Heroes intending to take part in the race on Sunday, October 25.
Last year the Heroes raised Pounds 14,000 with 30 runners.
Alastair, who has MS, wanted to get 100 runners involved. The total not only passed that target but the 149 which is equal to his highest score in first class cricket.
"In Wood Cufflink supply 2005 I raised money for the MSRC by running the London Marathon and so I was thrilled to be invited to join their team of runners in this year''s Stroud Half Marathon and become one of''Higgy's Heroes," said PC Lay, who works at the Stroud station.
"Myself and the rest of the team will be on the starting line in our bright green Higgy's Heroes' shirts and we hope to raise as much money as possible for this incredible charity."
Alastair said: "I am thrilled and very honoured that so many Higgy's Heroes are taking part in the Stroud half-marathon. I hope they raise valuable funds but equally valuable awareness of MS and the work of MSRC. It is particularly reassuring to know that the long arm of the law, in the shape of Peter Lay, will be present to keep Higgy's Heroes in order. I wish Peter and the rest of the team all the very best."
Higgy's Heroes will have "cheering points" around the course, to give their runners an extra boost.
The MSRC is a proactive and innovative charity committed to supporting anyone affected by multiple sclerosis.
"There are 100,000 people with MS in the UK," said Alastair, whose wife Jeannie is also running.
"It can be very difficult to live with and the MSRC offers amazing support, 365 days a year."
Anyone who would like to sponsor PC Lay and help raise money for MSRC
embroidered patches can do so by visiting his fundraising page at To join Higgy's Heroes in raising money for MSRC, contact them via their website or by calling 01206 505444.
Other articles:
http://www.dcnk.net/The-links-effect-Golf-gets-a.htmlhttp://www.pl0933.com/Blog/View/?769...