A COUPLE who met while working at Penny Brohn Cancer Care will be running the 2009 Bristol 10k to raise hundreds of pounds for the local charity.

John Tippet, 27, and his partner Helen Flatt, 22 from Stapleton, have been together for seven months after Helen started work as a cleaner at Penny Brohn Cancer Care. John works as a security guard for the Charity's centre in Pill.

Helen said: "I noticed John on my first day here but didn't say anything as I'm quite shy. He came over to say hello as I was cleaning and things went from there.

"I loved working at Penny Brohn Cancer Care. The charity offers vital complementary care and support to people whose lives have been affected by cancer.

"It was good to know that I was working for such a great cause.

"The people were lovely and I not only got to take away some great memories, but I got a boyfriend too."

The couple want to raise as much money as possible for Penny Brohn Cancer Care when they take part in this year's 2009 Bristol 10k on Sunday May 10 and have already raised £170.

Helen said: "We're both fairly fit. John used to cycle to Pill from Kingswood which took around two hours and I do lots of sport throughout the week.

"We run about once a week at the moment but this will change as the race gets close."

Formerly Bristol Cancer Help Centre, Penny Brohn Cancer Care relies solely on fundraising and voluntary donations to give people the practical tools to improve their quality of life and help manage the psychological and emotional aspects of cancer.

Anyone who would like to run for the charity in the Bristol 10K can call Laura Scowen on 01275 370075 or email running@pennybrohn.org