Players, fans, and staff at Kenilworth Sporting FC have now reached the midpoint of their Miles For Smiles challenge as they raise money for local children, elderly or vulnerable people who go without gifts at Christmas.

Members of the club have been cycling and running the equivalent distance of the 'End to End' - Lands End to John O'Groats - which will see riders and runners complete 951 miles in total.

The miles are being counted down in stints on the turbo-trainer set up at the club house on Gypsy Lane, and by rides and runs recorded on the road by participants.

The club are hoping to raise at least £750 which will be used to buy presents and make hampers for local children, or vulnerable people who are likely to go without this Christmas.

Having started on November 9, the turbo has been a permanent fixture in the club house, with riders being able to keep themselves entertained by watching the television, or even hooking themselves up to computerised cycling games as they spin.

Sporting are now halfway through the challenge, having completed almost 500 miles in the saddle and on foot, and are now virtually passing Manchester as the distance travelled is plotted on a map.

Volunteers from the first team as well as the club staff have been taking to the saddle, and as the second lockdown comes to an end it is hoped that customers may soon be able to join in as Sporting hope to finish the challenge before Christmas begins.

As well as monetary donations, the club are also welcoming donations of gifts that can then be distributed, these can be dropped off at the club house on Gypsy Lane.

Andy Harris, who has been instrumental in the resurrection of the club in the last eighteen months said "The idea behind the activity was to give back to the community and we aimed this more towards the people who struggle at Christmas either financially or live alone.

"It's that's time of year where everyone should feel like others are still there to support people. Once the club hopefully reopens we will be letting customers join in more - Covid rulings apply etc.

"We do also need nominations to received presents or gifts we receive."

If you would like to make a donation please follow this link.

If you would like to make a suggestion for a recipient of a present then please contact the club via email at [email protected].