BRAVING the freezing rain, hundreds of people packed into a Hampshire town to take part in an annual run and cycle in aid of those who can’t.

More than 200 people made their way to Stockbridge Town Hall for the annual George Skeates Cross Country Fun event where they huffed and puffed their through the Hampshire countryside.

The event saw thousands of pounds raised which will be shared between the Salisbury-based Integrated Spinal Rehabilitation Foundation (Inspire) and the Wessex Heartbeat charity which has its headquarters at Southampton General Hospital.

The challenge was started in 1986 by Mike Crossman to raise cash to help British sidecar racer George’s family after he suffered a severe and disabling spinal injury in a motorsport accident the previous year.

George, who was a passenger in a motorcycle sidecar, spent months slowly adjusting to life in Salisbury District Hospital’s Odstock Spinal unit where the charity Inspire is based.

And Wessex Heartbeat was chosen in memory of Mike Crossman who was a friend of George.

Mike’s son Jeremy continued the fundraiser after his father’s death in 1994 and incorporated raising cash for Wessex Heartbeat into the event.

George was at Sunday’s event which started from the town hall and was split into two courses – a three and eight-mile route.

More than £50,000 has been raised for the two charities since the annual event started.