RAIN wasn’t going to stop more than 170 runners as they took part in the Royal British Legion’s Red Petal Run, raising than £1,500 as they commemorated this year’s 75th anniversary of D-Day.

The third annual Red Petal Run took place at Mallards Pike Lake with participants as young as eight years old braving the wet Forest tracks.

Mark Evans of the Cinderford branch of the RBL, who organised the event, said: “To see all the many people enter this year was fantastic. As a branch we are truly grateful to all who entered.

“To organise an event such as this means a lot to not only us, but every member of the Cin- derford branch and everyone that we support.”

Fellow organiser Dave Turner added: “We are proud to have hosted a successful run again this year and the feedback was great, and to be able to speak to so many people who have supported us was brilliant.

“We look forward to bigger and better things next year.”

Forest Paralympic triathlon champion Andy Lewis MBE took part in the 10km event, and also spoke to runners before and after the event.

The star said: “It’s really important that people get out and support events like this and help ex-servicemen and women and those still serving as well.

“It’s important we support those who support us.”

Mark said: “Andy is a great role model for many and we thank him for his attendance and supporting the branch.”

RBL branch chairman Geoff Jones, said: “The money raised was over £1,500.

“This will be used to assist the branch with providing financial, social and emotional support to members, veterans within the community and their families and dependants, as well as providing a donation to the RBL Poppy Appeal and assisting with our future branch events.

“We would particularly like to thank Lucozade Ribena Suntory who again provided the finishing drinks, the Forestry Commission for allowing the event to go ahead, as well as the Mallards Pike Cafe and Go Ape for providing discounts to the participants.

“And we also want to thank Ed and Huw of Tucked Away photography for their support around the route.”

For details on how to become part of Cinderford RBL, visit www.facebook.com/rblcinderford or email rblcinder [email protected]

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.