AFTER a fundraising challenge that saw its director run five races in his 50th, a Salisbury charity is appealing for people to dig deep and donate to help them reach their target of £50k.

Chris Mould, from The Trussell Trust, decided to complete a 5 at 50 challenge to boost funds for the anti-poverty charity.

After completing his last race, a 17-mile trek in the Lake District with 5,000ft of mountain climbing in gale force wind and rain, the fundraising total stands at more than £15,000.

“We have got a long way to go but people are now rolling in with the money and we need lots more to come with them,” said Mr Mould, who has just turned 51.

His challenge began in May with the charity’s first 5k run. He then did the London 10k, the New Forest marathon, the Salisbury half marathon and ended with the Lake District trek at the end of October.

“What has been most fun is that lots of other people have joined in and that’s worked out very well,” he said. “In some senses the most memorable was the 5k. There were all sorts of people – people who can’t run, older people, young people.

“We have got people focused on the whole idea of the foodbanks and the work that we do.

“It is so important that people get a grasp of the impact The Trussell Trust has on people in trouble and people in crisis and the changes we can offer in their lives.”

The number 50 seems to be becoming something of a theme for the charity, as it recently reached their target of opening 50 food banks across the UK.

Fifty also features in the next aim, which is to open 50 ‘houses of opportunity’ in Bulgaria to help young people leaving state care, trying to prevent them needing to turn to prostitution to survive.

For £20,000 a year, the charity can help eight young people. With help, eventually the houses will be self-sufficient and the charity can go on to the next one.

To donate and help Mr Mould reach his target, visit www.justgiving.com/chrismould.