Thatcham runners complete Thames Path Ultra Challenge for young suicide charity Papyrus

Two Thatcham runners are resting their legs after completing the gruelling 100km Thames Path Ultra Challenge.

Izzy Peacock and friend Gabi – who after a ski accident several years ago was told she may never actually run again – followed the River Thames from Putney Bridge to Henley this weekend.

The pair finished the course, coming 54th and 55th in their female category, cheered on by family, friends and Gabi’s spaniel Percy, who had followed them to various pit stops along the route to greet them.

Izzy, a teacher, and Gabi, who works for Guide Dogs, are both members of JWS run club, which meets one Sunday morning a month in Newbury.

With Izzy having recently lost a friend to suicide, the pair chose to raise funds for charity Papyrus – the national charity for the prevention of young suicide.

Their JustGiving fundraising page, which has so far collected £1,500 in sponsorship and donations, explained: “We have had friends who have lost friends to suicide and know teachers who have lost students – sadly we all know someone who has been affected.

“We wanted to raise awareness to the help and support Papyrus give to families, friends and those struggling with their own mental health.

“So many young, valuable and special lives are lost daily to suicide and we would like to help prevent this as much as possible.”