SAINTS fans are being offered a free pie – in return for just an hour or so of their time and energy.

The tempting treat is part of an initiative to raise cash for an important cause and Sotonians have been asked to help.

As reported, Saints fans will be travelling to Wigan to see their team take on The Latics – or pie-eaters as they are known.

But the date for the FA Cup quarter-final – March 18 – clashes with a major running event expected to attract thousands of people.

Now organisers of the Run Wigan Festival have contacted the Daily Echo to put a call-out to our readers asking if they too will sign up for the half marathon, the 5k or the family run before taking their seats at the DW Stadium for the match.

If they do they’ll get a goodie bag, a medal and a free pie.

But they’ll also come away from the match knowing that whatever the final score they will have done their bit for charity.

The Run Wigan Festival was set up to raise cash for young Jack Johnson, who suffers from duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) – one of the most common fatal genetic disorders to affect children around the world.

A muscle wasting disease, it reduces life expectancy drastically and could mean that Jack – who is just ten now – will be in a wheelchair by the age of 15.

Jack’s uncle Matt Johnson said: “You can’t go to Wigan and not have a pie. We’re famous for them. So it was Jack’s idea to offer everyone who takes part in any of the runs on the day a pie for finishing. But it’s also because he wanted to let people know that he appreciates everyone supporting him.

“There’ll be a European food festival and music in the town centre as well before the match.”

So far joiningjack.org has raised over £2m in aid of research for DMD treatment.

Runners will be able to choose from a meat and potato or vegerarian option.

To take part in the event go to www.runwiganfestivals.co.uk Registration runs until Thursday March 15.