THE British Heart Foundation (BHF) is appealing for fundraisers to lace up their running shoes to part in the annual Wyre Forest Trail Run.

More than 800 runners will be taking part in the run, which is in its 7th year, on Sunday, March 16.

The money raised will help fund essential research into heart disease, which affects more than 12,000 people in Wyre Forest.

Runners can take part in a 5km or 10km run starting from Wyre Forest Visitor Centre.

Megan Bradley, a volunteer at Home-Start Kidderminster, was one of 417 runners who took part in the event last year.

The 22-year-old said: “I ran the BHF Wyre Forest Trail run last year to raise awareness of the impact that heart disease can have on a family.

"My dad Tony died suddenly in April 2012 following a heart attack. He was just 63 years old. With the first anniversary approaching, I decided to sign up to the event to celebrate his life and raise funds for the BHF.

"I completed the event in 49 minutes and raised over £700 for the BHF. As a result of taking part in the event, I now go to the gym regularly and am signed up ready to take on the challenge again this year."

Helen Wright, regional event organiser for the BHF, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be organising the 8th Wyre Forest 5km and 10km Trail Run. So many people have already signed up, so we’d like to urge people to get involved quickly if they don’t want to miss out on a place.

“Heart disease devastates too many lives, killing almost 80,000 a year across the UK, so it’s vital that we all get behind the fight to find a breakthrough to eradicate this deadly disease and the misery it brings.”

Entry fees for the event are £12 for adults and £5 for children and all abilities are welcome.

Over the last two years, Wyre Forest runners have raised more than £22,000 for the charity.

To register call 0845 130 8663, visit bhf.org.uk/wyre or email events@bhf.org.uk