Superwoman Emily Parsons has completed an epic charity challenge that has seen her run 200 miles across the country in just seven days, ending with the iconic Great North Run.

The News & Star news editor took on the eye-watering feat in support of her close friend Rachel Cole, who is battling a terminal brain tumour.

After seven days of continuous running, often through torrential rain and across mountainous terrain, Emily made it to the finish line.

It was a tearful moment, made even more poignant when Rachel and her husband Graham surprised her at the finish line.

With Gift Aid, Emily has raised at least £6,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity, to help fund vital research to improve survival rates.

She was among many Cumbrians who took part in yesterday's Great North Run, from Newcastle to South Shields.

For Emily, the half marathon, which she completed alongside partner Damian Woolfe, marked the end of a gruelling Coast to Coast journey that started in St Bees last Monday morning.

After finishing the final stretch, Emily - who has battled injury and exhaustion to make it through each of her seven days - said: "It was a great final ending to a week filled with ups and downs.

"There have been real highs and desperate lows. Coming down the sea front on the last mile, I was fighting tears most of the way, just to know the end was in sight.

"I don't think it quite seems real. I can't quite comprehend that I made it from St Bees to South Shields, on foot, in just seven days."

Having been surprised by her friend at the finish line, Emily - who then went on to dip her toes in the sea at South Shields to mark the end of the challenge - said it had made the entire week worthwhile.

Rachel was also overwhelmed to see Emily make it to the end.

She said: "The sheer scale of Emily's achievement is incomprehensible.

"Not only has she had to battle apocalyptic weather, the aptly-named "Bog of Doom" and the considerable pain caused by running 200 miles in a week, she's just smashed the Great North Run with a time of 2:33.

"Her dedication to this monumental challenge is an inspiration to me and my family. I could never convey the love and gratitude we all feel for Emily and her wonderful support team.

"With over £6,000 raised so far she's also made a huge difference to the Brain Tumour Charity's mission to halve the harm caused by brain tumours and double the survival rates within the next 10 years.

"Emily and her family have provided our family with so much support for a long time. I've always known Emily is amazing but this is just jaw dropping. "To greet her at the end was wonderful and emotional - I wouldn't have missed it for the world."

News & Star reporter Kelly Pattison, who is a member of DH Runners in Carlisle, also joined the masses in yesterday's race.

She watched the race last year but was determined to take part this year - and she completed it in about three hours 16 minutes.

Speaking at the finish line, she said: "My legs are a bit tired but I really enjoyed it.

"It was a lot hillier than I thought but the crowds were amazing and really spurred me on.

"It was a slow start to get going and it was quite warm at the beginning.

"A highlight for me was touching Brendan Foster's hand at the start line.

"It was great to run alongside some of the people in fancy dress - especially the Paw Patrol.

"At least I can say I've done it now and I've got the medal."

Kelly will be taking part in The Great Cumbrian Run in Carlisle on October 1, raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.