North Cumbrian charity runner Emily Parsons is set to complete her mammoth seven-day Coast to Coast endurance challenge when she crosses the finish line of the Great North Run later today.

She is one of a number of Cumbrian fundraisers taking on the iconic north east half marathon for both local and national causes.


Emily, who is news editor at the News & Star, decided to embark on her gruelling challenge - which has seen her run about 30 miles a day in total - in support of her close friend Rachel Cole, who is currently battling a terminal brain tumour.

Not a keen runner, Emily had to undergo an intensive training programme and battle injuries before she even began.

The 32-year-old, of Stockdalewath, near Carlisle, set off from St Bees, on the west Cumbrian coast, on Monday morning, tackling about 30 miles a day in aid of the Brain Tumour Charity.

Yesterday she completed the sixth day, running into Newcastle ready for the grand finale at today's Great North Run.

Having battled torrential weather and tough terrain, including the Cumbrian fells, Emily said at times it almost became too much.

But having now hit her £5,000 target she is determined to complete the final leg of her 200-mile Heads Up Challenge for a cause so close to her heart.

Emily said: "It's been the toughest week of my life in ways I never thought. The battle with exhaustion, blisters and the sheer unrelenting nature of the weather has nearly broken me, but the amazing donations and support from across the country has inspired me to keep going."

Asked why she wanted to end with the Great North Run, which she is running alongside partner Damian Woolfe, she said: "The GNR is one of the most iconic races and in Rach's home city, so it seemed the perfect way to end my week.

"I'm hoping the crowd and atmosphere will help carry my broken body to the end, before i dip my toe in the sea for my very own coast to coast."

To support Emily's fundraising campaign click here .