WHAT is the last thing you expect to see running through War Memorial Park? How about a giant inflatable T-Rex?


As part of a fundraising event, Basingstoke resident Emily Merrick will be take part in a 5km run around the town in the dinosaur costume.


The idea came about as part of Emily’s ‘T-Rex hates…’ fundraising events, for which people are put through four different challenges throughout the year to raise money for The Christie Charity, which funds projects and services that lie outside the scope of the NHS, such as pioneering new research projects.


Emily was looking for more people to get involved in the runs, so thought she would give then an unusual incentive.


“I put on our Facebook group saying if we had 150 people sign up, I would agree to do all four runs in the T-Rex outfit,” she explained.


“I got the nickname T-Rex from the kettle bell club I am part of for making a lot of noise and it just stuck as a bit of a theme.”


The 32-year-old added: “Doing the run in the costume is something a little bit different and it will certainly turn some heads when we set off.”


All four runs will be themed around the ‘T-Rex Hates’ idea, with the first run taking place on January 30 called T-Rex Hates Push-ups.


The idea is that during the 5km run, after each kilometre, the participants have to do five push-ups.


Emily started her fundraising after her father was diagnosed with kindey cancer two-and-a-half years ago.


She decided to raise funds for The Christie Charity, which has been supporting her dad throughout his ordeal.


Emily will set off on her first run from War Memorial Park, in Basingstoke, at 11am on January 30.


If you want to know more about the 'T-Rex Hates' events, take part or to donate, send an email to trexhates@gmail.com.
For more information about The Christie Chairty visit christie.nhs.uk.