A RUNNING ace from Wollaston has completed an ambitious fundraising feat by running 40 marathons in one year to mark her fortieth birthday.

Susan Barley began her quest in September 2018 and competed the challenge by taking on a 30-mile 'ultra-run' on August 31 at Glastonbury Tor, where she was cheered on by friends at every checkpoint.

The 40-year-old, who is a member of Dudley Kingswinford Running Club, took on the quest to raise money for two charities close to her heart: CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) and Wigan and Leigh Hospice where her father was cared for before passing away from cancer five years ago.

Susan decided to run for CALM after a close friend of her husband, Nick, tragically took his own life.

Susan, who celebrated her fortieth birthday on September 5, said: “This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done but it’s been worth it to raise money for two charities that mean so much to me and Nick.

“I’ve made many friends at marathons all over the UK and it was lovely that two of these new faces ran with me every step of the way in the final marathon at Glastonbury.

The mission saw her take on an 11 and half hour trek around the Peak District, while she achieved her best finishing time in Boston, Lincolnshire where she completed the course in four hours 59 minutes.

She has already raised over £3,000 in her quest to raise £4,000 and donations can still be made here: http://bit.ly/2nn6XRu

Susan added: “I’m now looking forward to taking it a little easier as far as marathons go but won’t be putting my running shoes away. I love training with DK Running Club every week.”