A BRAVE runner and fund-raiser recently tackled five marathons in five days, to get back to her family and friends in Ledbury.

Hayley Presley, who now lives in Cheshire, trod the miles down in aid of two charities very dear to her heart, - St Michael's Hospice, in Bartestree, near Hereford and the Huntington's disease charity, Merseyside.

Her grandmother was looked after by the Hospice and a family friend has Huntington's Disease, which affects muscle co-ordination and can lead to mental decline.

Miss Presley, aged 30, said: "The 5 in 5 challenge has seen a total of £3500 raised, which was well over what I had initially expected, and money is still coming in."

Giving thanks to all her supporters, Miss Presley added, after her 131 mile ordeal: "I can honestly say that it was one of the best weeks of my life and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

"The first day we completed in 5.17hours which was spot on where I wanted to be time wise, and everything felt good."

Miss Presley, a former pupil of both Ledbury Primary and the John Masefield High School, ran five marathons end to end from Chester to Herefordshire to complete her challenge.

But the last two days were tough.

She said: "I reminded myself why I was doing what I was doing, and that it wasn’t about me but all those I was raising money for and too help.

"Spurred on I mastered a slight shuffle and hobble style!"

In Leominster, before the last marathon, the run into Ledbury, she celebrated her 30th birthday with her partner, family and friends.

But the doubts were starting to grow with the injuries.

She said: "There was a bit of scepticism as to whether or not I would make it through the last day; - my knee was now twice its usual size and not feeling any better.

"Still I knew I had a job to do. My knee was strapped to the hills in tape and once I had broken the 20 mile mark every step taken after was one closer to home."

Anyone wishing to add to Miss Presley's total can visit presley5in5.webs.com or uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HayleyPresley.