Mortimer mum takes on ultra-marathon

Super-fit Wendy Shaw will attempt her toughest challenge yet - the Grimsthorpe Ultra 105

FOLLOWING a year of formidable foot-racing feats which included a world record attempt in fancy dress in the London marathon, a Mortimer mother is limbering up for what will be her toughest challenge yet; a 105-mile ultra marathon.

Super-fit Wendy Shaw will attempt to complete the Grimsthorpe Ultra 105, at the Grimsthorpe Estate near Bourne, in under 26 hours on Friday.

Earlier this year she ran the London marathon in a full length dog costime (called Alfie) in aid of the charity Guide Dogs for the Blind, and finished the course in four hours and 44 minutes.

Despite initially being told she had not broken the record for fastest female in fancy dress an appeal was lodged and she is now awaiting confirmation from Guinness World of Records that she is now holds the world record for Fastest Marathon as a Mascot (female).

To keep herself busy, in May she ran the Forces March, five marathons in five days, where she was the first female to finish, in a total time of 22 hours and 38 minutes and recieved the Sarah Bryant Trophy, which is awarded in memory of the first lady killed in service in Afghanistan.

Miss Shaw, who has two children, said Friday's run is more than double what she has run in previous attempts, and is determined to use the challenge to raise awareness for her two chosen charities.

“I am still fundraising for the Guide Dogs and Veterans Charity and could really use some help generating some more funds for either charity,” she said.

“Alfie will be back out and about running in September I expect when the weather cools a bit.”

Miss Shaw's Guide Dogs for the Blind Justgiving.com page can be found by clicking the first link below and her Veterans Charity Justgiving.com page by clicking on the second link below.