A RUN from Cinderford to Ross on Wye in aid of the Dilke Hospital has been offered help from an unexpected source – the driver of a big red bus.

Jeff Williams, MD of Alpha Colour Printers of Gloucester, has come to the rescue of Forest fund-raiser Dean Evans and his 'cottonbuddies'.

Jeff, who uses one of the iconic Routemaster buses to promote his business, has promised to use it to get walkers and runners taking part in Dean's run on July 16 back to Cinderford after the event.

Dean is organising the ten-mile event to raise money for the Dilke Memorial Hospital following an emergency visit there with a cotton bud stuck in his ear.

Dean is now inviting as many 'Cottonbuddies' as possible to join him on July 16 to raise cash for the hospital in gratitude for safely removing the foreign object from his ear.

Participants can run, walk or cycle the ten miles from the Golden Lion, Cinderford, to the Hope and Anchor on Ross's riverside, followed by a pig roast with live music back at the Golden Lion in Cinderford in the evening, where everyone is welcome to join in the fun and congratulate all participants.

The landlord of the Golden Lion is kindly donating money from each drink bought and all proceeds from the pig roast will also be going to the charity.

"I just wanted to do something as a thank you to the hospital and its staff for being so good with me," said Dean.

"One of the logistical problems of the event was how to get everyone back from Ross to Cinderford on the day but Jeff has solved that – and in great style."

To register for the run and obtain a sponsor form contact Dean on 07912 627469

Dean is also keen to hear from anyone who can help by being a steward on the day.