A GROUP of big-hearted runners pulled on their trainers for an epic charity challenge after being inspired by a Basingstoke youngster.

Hatch Warren Runners took on a 24-hour relay run to support terminally-ill Jayden Wilson – the second event of its kind.

Last year, the group raised thousands so the five-year-old, who last September was given a year to live after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, could take a dream holiday to Disneyland. This year, they decided to raise cash for charity Children with Cancer UK.

Mark Butler, who organised the run, said: "I went to Jayden's dad and suggested that we raise money for this charity, in Jayden's name, and he said that it was a great idea. It is a really amazing charity which does a lot of valuable research.”

Around 75 members of the running group took part in the challenge, which began last Friday at 7pm and ended the following evening.

The participants took turns to run the three-mile distance between Portsmouth Arms and Sainsbury's, in Wallop Drive, running in groups of two and three, passing a baton from one group to another, so that the chain of runners was never broken.

The event culminated in dozens of runners, most in fancy dress, running between the posts for the final hour. Each runner made a contribution to take part and shoppers donated generously to the collection tins at the supermarket.

The event raised more than £6,000.

Father-of-two Mark said: “People were incredibly generous and we were really grateful to Sainsbury’s, whose staff let us collect from early on Friday, and allowed us to run into the foyer itself, which got people’s interest. Everyone was really keen to get involved and it has been a lot of fun.”

To make a donation, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/runforjayden.