ORGANISERS behind a charity run are urging competitors to put on their trainers and make history.

Fund-raisers at the Donna Louise Children's Hospice are hoping the sixth Treetops 10k event at Trentham Gardens will see more people than ever take part.

Last year about 750 people entered, helping to raise £35,000 for the trust.

The event was also given a new twist with the introduction of a 5k fun run, which saw a raft of entrants donning fancy dress.

Registration forms are now available for the run, on Sunday, May 9, and organisers are hoping for a record-breaking response.

Fund-raising team member Katy Mason said: "It was an electric atmosphere last year.

"I took part in the fun run and my family dressed up as pirates. It was a great day.

"We are aiming to do even better this time, we would like to see 800 people taking part then maybe we could raise £40,000."

Michelin have offered to sponsor the event for the sixth year running, meaning the Trentham-based charity can benefit from all the money raised.

Katy added: "We are very grateful to Michelin for their support."

Melanie Mills, head of fund-raising, said: "Last year's event was our biggest to date with more than 750 runners and we raised an incredible £35,000.

"The introduction of the 5k family fun run was a huge success and it was great to see so many children, young people and families taking part in fancy dress and adding to the fun atmosphere."

Registration for the event will begin at 9am on the day, with the run scheduled to start an hour later.

Entrants aged 16 and over are asked to pay £12 to take part, which includes a T-shirt and a medal on completion. Under-16s will pay £5 to take part.

Michelin communications assistant Sarah Rigby said: "Michelin is delighted to sponsor this year's fun run once again.

"The Donna Louise Hospice plays an important role within the local area and deserves all the support that it receives.

"In fact, our Stoke employees chose Donna Louise as their Charity of the Year for 2009, and held a variety of successful fund-raising events."

Lisa Webb, aged 41, of Fulwood Walk, Bentilee, whose 15-year-old daughter Sophi has a brain tumour and attends the hospice, said: "It's vitally important that people do come forward and take part if they can.

"It's events like this which help keep the hospice going, and whatever support they can offer is really appreciated.

"It would be amazing if more people took part than in previous years. It's nice to know that we can rely on the support of local people."

For more information on the run and for an application form visit www.treetops10k.org, or call 01782 654444.