THE commercial team at Turf Moor are kicking on to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

The ‘Super Seven’ — led by commercial director Anthony Fairclough — are in training to run The Pennine 10k in June in aid of the Gail Simpson Memorial Fund, which is aiming to raise at least £10,000 for Pendleside Hospice.

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Apart from the exhausting race, it is going to be a particularly challenging task for Anthony as he plans to shed at least three stones before reaching the start line.

The rest of the team are, commercial executive Jez Minihan, media manager Darren Bentley, commercial operations manager Carl Sanderson, marketing manager Nick Taylor, commercial executive Dale Robins-Bailey, and commercial assistant Chloe Simpson. In charge of the team’s diet and fitness is personal trainer Jamie Kennedy, of The Fitness Experience, Manchester Road, Burnley.

Anthony said: “We have started to get into shape and during our first week together lost a total of 18 pounds. Personally, my diet consists of three litres of water a day, two protein shakes and five light meals a day. I’m also in the gym three times a week.”

Trainer Jamie said: “At the gym we regularly help some of the Burnley players like Danny Ings and Kieron Trippier , so Anthony and his team turned to us to get in shape for the 10k run. Last year we helped Jeff Brown lose weight before he raised more than £10,000 himself running for the hospice.”

The team is also being backed by My Protein, the Clarets nutritional partner.

Anthony said: “We decided to do something as a team and were inspired by Jeff Brown’s achievements last year. We are dedicating the run to a friend of mine Gail Simpson, who died of cancer last November. Her family are raising a minimum of £10,000 for Pendleside Hospice and we are hoping we can raise a very sizeable amount for the appeal.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor the team should ring 01282 700007.