STAFF at Sherborne Sports Centre have organised a fun run in honour of gym member Max Brimble, who suffered a brain injury at the age of five.

The event on Sunday, November 3, will be raising funds for the Dorset branch of Headway, a UK charity supporting families and individuals affected by head injuries including traumas, tumours, and strokes.

Now 23, Max, who lives in Batcombe, near Dorchester, with his mother, spent nine months in hospital after being kicked by a horse in 2001. He joined the gym last year, and was recently named member of the month.

Gary Shackle, manager at Sherborne Sports Centre, said: "Max's whole story is inspiring. He just shows that you can do anything, regardless of what has happened to you."

He added: "We always try to incorporate some kind of fancy dress into our charity chases. As we're supporting Headway, we want people to wear funny hats!"

Four routes will be available on the day. The 1k and 2k circuits are family-friendly, looping around the campus and avoiding roads, while 5k and 10k routes will lead runners around the town. Entry prices range from £3 to £10, plus £20 for a family.

Following the fun run, a range of activities will be held at the centre, including a charity bake off, a headband making workshop and a raffle.

The charity first began supporting Max when he was 16. His mother, Carole Potters, says the help the family received was invaluable.

"Brain injuries are complex and a lot of people don't really understand," she said. "It's just nice knowing someone is always there."

Headway in Dorset offers befriending services alongside weekly drop-in support groups, walking football sessions and activities such as sailing, pottery making and cinema visits.

Adrian Stark, who runs the local branch, suffered a brain injury himself in a cycling accident 24 years ago.

"The thing with brain injuries is that you never fully recover," he says. "There'll always be something not quite right, but we support each other. We have about 70 regulars who say they like to meet like-minded people and be in an environment where they won't be judged."

Adrian added: "Anyone who comes to us for help will get help. Fundraising is hard, but any money we receive goes straight to enabling our clients to make memories."

The fun run on Sunday, November 3, begins at 9am. For more information, contact Sherborne Sports Centre.