A RUNNER from Bere Alston showed great grit and determination to run for her chosen charity in this year’s London Marathon.

Kelly Shaw had to work really hard to recover her stamina as she was only in hospital three weeks before for five days.

Despite having arthritis in her lower spine the full time mum, aged 35, took up running when her doctor suggested it might help. Kelly decided ‘to go for it’ and joined the Bere Alston Trekkers ‘Couch to 5k’ programme.

After her first 5k she went on to complete the eight mile run around Burrator and was due to take part in the original Tavistock 13 this spring but it was postponed due to the weather.

‘I had 10 weeks training and only ran eight miles as my longest run because I was poorly.’

It did not help her cause when she was rushed to accident and emergency at Derriford Hospital with gall stones which left her in pain.

Despite this Kelly was determined to run in the London Marathon.

She finished in 6 hours 51 minutes – a superb effort, especially with the temperatures being the highest ever for a London Marathon.

‘I could see runners around me, some who were experienced and done the London Marathon before, falling down like flies. It was quite scary.’

Nevertheless she was determined not to give up – running on behalf of the Teenage Cancer Trust and to date Kelly has raised a superb £2,200 – passing her target sum.

She told Times Sport: ‘I was knackered and sore at the end but it was well worth it. You see the finishing line and you think “I’ve done it, I’ve really done it!” Then you just go through all the emotions. It was quite an experience.

‘This was my first London Marathon but not my last. I’m already applying for next year.