A DAUNTLESS Kidderminster runner fitted a 40k challenge into her morning routines before work to raise vital funds for KEMP Hospice.

Hannah Strong completed the marathon over the course of four days and went on to generate £310 to support young people who have experienced the death of a loved one.

The 30-year-old decided to take on the 2.6 Challenge - an initiative launched to raise money for UK charities hit by coronavirus - and initially planned to run 2.6k each day for 10 days, but instead set herself the tougher challenge in a bid to raise more money.

“I did 40k which works out around a marathon distance in miles,” Hannah said.

“I am not the fastest runner in the world – my 10ks are usually around one hour, 13 minutes so I tried to do each 10k before work in the week.

“I did the first one on Sunday which was quite enjoyable but by Monday morning I was just so tired and my muscles ached.

“The second and third runs were the worst. When I did the last one, I could at least see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Two of my work colleagues also decided to run a marathon in a week and we all face-timed each other for the last five minutes so we virtually crossed the finish line at the same time which was nice!”

Hannah is a manager of YMCA Worcestershire’s National Citizen Service (NCS) programme which aims to bring teenagers from different backgrounds together to realise their potential.

During her time with NCS, Hannah's team has raised thousands of pounds for KEMP.

The money raised will all go to KEMP's bereavement support team, which helps youngsters who have suffered a loss or have somebody close to them with a life-limiting illness.

“What resonated with ourselves were the child bereavement holiday camps that KEMP put on,” Hannah said.

“I wanted to try to fund one place for the camp and that was what kept me going.

“My pain was nothing compared to what some of the young people would be feeling, especially at the moment.

“I know that some young people have lost parents or grandparents to the virus.

“If a place on the camp would help them then that’s what I was striving for.

“I don’t think people within Wyre Forest are quite aware of how much KEMP do for young people with bereavement.”

Charlie Homer, head of fundraising and communications at KEMP, said: “We are extremely proud of how supporters like Hannah, despite the circumstances, have found novel ways to keep fundraising.

“Without the continued to support of the Wyre Forest community KEMP couldn’t offer the support to those who need it most.”