It may be just round the corner but there’s still time to take part in the Knebworth Park Run, which is raising money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

The annual event – sponsored by the Comet – is being held for the ninth time this Sunday and the BHF encourages people of all abilities to walk, jog or run the 5km or 10km courses.

Natasha Regan, from Hitchin, and Cher Johnston, from Stevenage, have both been inspired to take part after seeing their loved ones affected by heart problems.

Mum-of-two Natasha said: “My father first had a triple heart bypass 10 years ago and last year had a pacemaker fitted. He relies on his pacemaker to keep the rhythm of his heart healthy.

“It has been a difficult number of years, and I am taking part in the Knebworth Park Run to help keep a healthy heart and reduce my risk of heart disease.”

Paediatric nurse Cher was inspired to take part after discovering, while pregnant, that her son suffers from a heart problem.

She said: “My son, Xavier, has episodes of SVT, otherwise known as supraventricular tachycardia. The condition causes an extremely rapid heartbeat.

“He was kept in hospital for 10 weeks following his birth – it was a very distressing time.

“Xavier is now six and although 85% of children who are born with the condition grow out of it, he now describes his episodes of SVT as his heart ‘tickling’ and can now tell us when this happens.

“He is such a happy child, nothing fazes him.”

Heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer and the money raised from this event will fund research to find cures for many fatal but common problems.

To show our support, a six-strong team from the Comet will be running in the event.

Ample free parking is available at the park and buses will ferry runners to the start line.

The race starts at 11am and there is a mass warm-up for participants at 10.40am.

For more information and to sign up visit www.bhf.org.uk/Knebworthparkrun or just turn up on the day and register between 9.30am and 10.45am.