For four members of the SFU will be taking part in the Mansfield Half Marathon to collect money for the cause - just one of several fundraising initiatives and events planned for the coming weeks.

The supporters group - asking for a minimum of £100 donations from fans to become a member of the Supporters Trust - says that sponsoring the runners gives fans the chance to make a contribution, no matter how small.

Craig Ploughman, Julian Smith, Andy Squire and Chris Vasper will run the 13 miles in the Mansfield Half Marathon on Sunday and an SFU spokesman said: "We want to give everyone the opportunity to make a donation, regardless of the amount. It all goes towards the £250,000 target set by the SFU.

"If you or your company would like to sponsor the runners, you can pay online at www.stagsnet.net (the website of the Stags Supporters Association, SSA), or send a cheque made payable to TEAM Mansfield Supporters' Society Limited, Team Mansfield, Freepost, Newgate Lane, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1BR or at local pubs The Victoria, the Top House, and the King's Arms."

SFU's appeal has now reached £36,000 to raise £250,000 to buy a future share in running Mansfield Town Football Club.

You can now join and donate online, through the website of the Stags Fans United - www.stagsfansunited.com - and Stags Supporters Association - www.stagsnet.net.

An SFU Race Night is planned for Friday, 18th July at the Kings Arms (8pm), all are welcome. SFU still have three races available for sponsorship.

The cost of these are £50 per race, contact SFU on 07786 200350 if you are interested.

There will be a signed framed MTFC shirt for raffle, tickets can now be purchased behind the bar.

Details will be finalised by the end of this week for a Sportsmans Dinner for 24th September at the John Fretwell Sporting Complex in Sookholme.

The SFU wants to raise the £250,000 to then put into a Mansfield Town FC under new owners - in return for shares and a say in the running of the club.