THE community got behind staff from Café Mosaic in Cirencester as they took part in the Cricklade Half Marathon for a good cause.

Lesley Hinsley (54) and Becky Collier (46) took on the long distance challenge, despite both suffering injuries going into the event.

The pair were supported during their run by regular customers to the café, who cheered them on as they ran.

Speaking after the event, Lesley said: “It was beautiful day so conditions were perfect for running.

“Becky roped me into doing it. I do a bit of running but Becky is fairly new to it and she said she needed a goal, so suggested we do the half marathon.

“I don’t do races, but said I’d do it for a purpose.”

In the month preceding the run, visitors to the café had been emptying their pockets to donate to the pair’s fundraising efforts.

Their charity of choice was the Teenage Cancer Trust, a cause that one of their customers regularly supports.

“We know a customer who raises for the charity every year,” said Lesley.

“All his money goes there, so we wanted to help him raise money. Cancer touches a lot of people.”

The pair ended up raising more than £2,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Lesley thanked her customers for the support and said many people are still donating.

“I went to Boots this morning and someone who’d been into the café and seen the fundraising gave me money there and then,” she said.

“People can come into the café and donate.”