A CREDITON woman is raising vital funds for charity Asthma UK by taking part in the 42nd Berlin Marathon on Sunday, September 27.

Harriet Hunt (née Cargill) has taken on the challenge with her friend and work colleague at the University of Exeter Medical School, Louise Crathorne, who has wanted to run a marathon for many years.

Harriet has never wanted to run a marathon, but was up for the challenge. She is raising money for Asthma UK, as she has suffered from asthma since childhood.

When she was younger, Asthma UK’s work reassured her that asthma is a manageable condition which should not stop you doing the fun - and exhausting - things in life.

Harriet hopes to raise up to £800 for Asthma UK, the leading asthma charity which supports the 5.4 million people in the UK with asthma, gives them expert advice when they need it and funds research to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Harriet said: “Before the start of the year, I’d never run before in my life and I have a new-found respect for those that do! I’ve been training hard since January pounding the lanes round Crediton come rain and shine, with 400plus miles run.

“I’ve been particularly pleased by the cheery smiles and comments I’ve had along the way; we’re a friendly lot round here and I’m glad to call it home.

“Overall I’m enjoying the experience, and I’m certain that I’m now capable of running a marathon. My only aim is to finish, and finish we will!”

Kerry Johns, Head of Events and Community Fundraising at Asthma UK, said: “One in 11 people in the UK has asthma, and we’re here for them when they need us most.

“With the support of our runners and the money raised from this fantastic event, we can continue to work towards a world in which they have control over asthma today and freedom from asthma tomorrow.”

To sponsor Harriet, please visit her “Just Giving” page: https://www.justgiving.com/HarrietHunt/ .