Maidstone Borough Council staff are backing 400m runner Luke Smallwood to London 2010 success.

The staff at the council have been fund-raising for the athlete to help him pay for equipment for his sport.

Almost £300 has been raised through two dress down days. A cheque was presented to Luke on Wednesday, March 10 with some of the staff.

Luke, who was chosen via a staff vote, said: “The fact the staff believe in me is an extra incentive. I’ve got belief in myself and from my coach but to have council staff is a next step up. The money will be used to buy an altitude simulator trainer which helps mirror conditions in places such as Spain and helps increase lung capacity.”

Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Brian Moss, said: “It’s brilliant to see the council staff getting behind an athlete. If Luke does win a medal then the staff know they played a part in helping him bring a medal home. Every business can contribute in some way or another to the Maidstone’s Dream project and our staff are proving the different ways in which this can be done.”

The staff now plan to continue fund-raising in 2010 to help Luke with his next goal of training in Malta or Cyprus to improve his performance.

Any business or athlete wishing to register their interest should contact Karen Smith on 01622 602759 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it