Sport Relief requires runners in Gloucestershire

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Mike Tindall has been to see how money has been spent in Gloucestershire

The organisers of this year's Sport Relief are encouraging as many people as possible to run a mile for the charity in March.

The Sport Relief Weekend runs from Friday, 19 March, to Sunday, 21 March, 2010, and this year has a special focus on street and working children and malaria.

The money raised through Sport Relief is used to help vulnerable people facing incredibly tough lives, both in Gloucestershire and in the world's poorest countries.

Their work in the UK ranges from supporting young people when they are in need of help, to bringing about positive change in people's lives.

Many people in the region face unemployment, isolation or poor physical or mental health - that's why half the money raised through Sport Relief goes towards local community work.

You can find out more details about the event and others in the area at www.sportrelief.com .

Rugby star

Gloucester and England rugby star Mike Tindall recently visited a group in Gloucester which has benefited from Sport Relief and Comic Relief money.

The African Caribbean Association is using a slice of £60,000 which has been awarded to the Gloucestershire Young Carers charity.

They pay particular attention to vulnerable young carers who are looking after a relative with a mental illness.

The charity runs social and leisure groups as well as drama and music workshops

Tindall visited a group on Barton Street in Gloucester where children are given the chance to enjoy childhood and escape the pressures placed upon them at home.

"It's hard enough to be a kid in the best of times. And then you can't just go out and make mates because you have to go home and have chores to do," he said.

"I find it quite amazing that they can still pull that off. Then they come here and have the time when they can relax and be what they are supposed to be and that's kids."

Kick around

There are Sport Relief Miles taking place across Gloucestershire on March 21, 2010. For those taking part in the mile at Plock Court in Gloucester there will be a mass warm-up as well as refreshments and a BBQ at the tennis centre.

There are also events at Pittville Park in Cheltenham and at Yorkley Village Hall & Recreation Centre near Lydney.

Fundraisers are being encouraged to bring a ball and have a kick around using the goal posts or make use of the skate park. Weather permitting organisers say there will also be a local brass band performance.

You can find out more details about these miles and others in your area at www.sportrelief.com .

Against the clock

There are hundreds of Miles across the UK, and you can even choose your distance - 1, 3 or 6 miles - whichever is a challenge for you.

That means, from teeny-tots with their mums and dads, to super sprinters up against the clock, there's something for everyone on the big day.

Whichever challenge you choose, you'll have a fantastic day of fun - and you can make it your own by wearing red on the day or getting your friends to join in!