A MUM has set herself a goal to run 52 miles in 24 hours this weekend, with the aim of raising money for charity in honour of her terminally ill father-in-law.

Carly Barnes, from Worcester, will take part in Race for the Tower, an ultramarathon event where she will run 52 miles from Gloucestershire to Broadway Tower, in the Cotswolds.

It is a two-day event which starts today (Saturday, June 8) at 7.45am – although Mrs Barnes hopes to complete the ultramarathon in a day.

The mum-of-two, aged 37, said: “I’ve got 24 hours. If I can complete it by midnight, I’ll be over the moon.

“I wanted to do this to test my patience and determination. I have learnt so much about myself doing this. I’m doing this challenge for personal reasons and to show my girls that anything is possible if you put in the work.

“I’ve had so much fun training. It doesn’t matter what size you are or how old you are, if you put on your running shoes and train hard you can do it.”

Before she began her intense training in January, the furthest Mrs Barnes could run was 10k.

She started running a mile twice a week and eventually built up her stamina by doing longer distances gradually.

Despite the ultramarathon being a 52-mile run, the furthest Mrs Barnes has run in the past is 26 miles.

Mrs Barnes is raising money for four charities – Hope for Tomorrow, Acorns Worcester, Children with Cancer and Mind – all of which have a personal meaning to her.

Mrs Barnes says her biggest inspiration is her father-in-law, Stephen Cook, who has incurable cancer.

She said: “Steve has the most amazing positive attitude. He’s never once complained about having cancer, he never lets it consume him. He is my biggest inspiration for this run.”

Mr Cook, or 'Cooky' as he’s better known, and his wife Jacquie are members of the Amateur Dramatic Worcester theatre scene and have been for over 30 years.

During the ultramarathon, there are seven pit stops along the way for contestants to enjoy a snack, and Mrs Barnes said: “I’m most excited about the snacks. There aren’t just sweets – they offer chicken fajitas, tea, soup and watermelon. It’s essentially a running picnic."

For donations towards Mr Barnes’ causes, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CarlyBarnes_Ultra

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