A runner from the Canterbury Harriers has just completed seven half marathons in seven days for charity.

Lidia Modzelewska is raising money for Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service, having been a former resident of their women's refuge, and has surpassed her initial target.

She admits she surprised herself with her performances throughout the week and purposely chose to run the same route every time.

“I just got stronger,” she said.

“I did not hit the wall, luckily, but I have surprised myself as at the beginning of the week my time was 2:33. I have finished with a whooping 2:08.

“I have received fantastic support from my friends, work colleagues and family. Almost each day someone was running with me which encouraged me to do well. It was Emma, Sian, Wendy, Steph and my partner Ashley who took it in turns.

“It was a fantastic week and hopefully one day I can do it again but maybe with a different challenge. I have enjoyed every day, every minute, company and mile of it. Absolutely amazing!”

Lidia says she can’t live without running and so it was a natural choice to turn to a favourite past-time when coming up with a charity challenge.

The charity she is running for supports victims of domestic violence and aims to improve lives and relationships.

She said: “The Rising Sun charity helps people to get back on their feet and to find a new happy life after experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

“A long, long time ago I was a resident of their women's refuge and after receiving their help and support I have managed to have a happy and content life.

“For that reason I thought this is the perfect time for me to say thank you to this fantastic organisation.

“I decided to run the same route as living a horrid life every day is the same, the same settings and the same struggles. I have also chosen half marathon as picking up the phone and making this important decision you are half way to something new and happy.”

She adds on her fundraising page that “without people donating to Rising Sun I would not be here now and what's more important, I would not have lovely people by my side.”

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