A MUM has been shortlisted for a national award which celebrates inspiring women in sport.

Ruth Bennett, from Worcester, has been nominated for the ‘Most Inspiring Female’ award after encouraging people into running and showing positivity through her blog – Ruth Runs.

Mrs Bennett has been shortlisted along with 29 other women from the country, including famous faces such as Dame Kelly Holmes.

Mrs Bennett, aged 38 said: “The nomination took me by a complete surprise. I didn’t realise it was such a big deal at the time. It was only until I was receiving lots of messages that I realised it was a national award.

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“I feel very overwhelmed. I have a lot of followers on my blog, but you never really think you are affecting people.

“Since the nomination so many people have said thank you and told me that I have inspired them. I feel embarrassed, but I’m proud.

“Some of these nominees are massive celebrities.”

The award is part of The Challenge Awards, sponsored by Let's Do This and Runners World UK. It aims to recognise the best challenge events, organisations, charities, communities and individuals.

Mrs Bennett started her blog over a year ago, while she was training for the London marathon in a bid to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice.

The charity supported her father, Andrew Stockburn, before he passed away at the age of 59 in 2008.

She has just launched a project to boost funds further and is aiming to complete 40 medal events before she turns 40, where she will again be looking to raise money for St Richards Hospice.

Mrs Bennett, welfare officer at the Black Pear Joggers running group added: “The idea of the blog is to interact, offer advice and encourage people to run.

"It became a big thing."

To support Mrs Bennett and cast your vote, visit letsdothis.com/challengeawards/best-of-the-rest/most-inspiring-woman