RUNNING legend and St Bees Triers member Charmian Robson has died aged 79 after a short illness.

Charm, as she was known, took up running late in life and became an inspiration to other runners and a key part of the local running community after winning numerous Lakeland Trails age group prizes, completing many half and full marathons in the UK and abroad as well as achieving a national ‘best for age’ ranking.

Her last races took place in the Azores last September, running 50km over four days.

She completed the London Marathon in 2012 with husband and retired St Bees School teacher Chris Robson as part of their Golden Wedding celebrations, raising funds for Alzheimer’s Research and even appearing on Good Morning Britain.

Charm was both an art history lecturer and St Bees School teacher who inspired her pupils to expand their interest in the arts.

She was a lay reader at St Bees Priory for more than 30 years and an avid charity fundraiser during her lifetime.

Charm began supporting the RNLI in the 1970s and more recently the Mines Advisory Group, which clears landmines in war-torn countries.

She was Traidcraft’s first representative, selling fair trade goods as well as managing the St Bees annual charity sale in November for more than 30 years and, more recently, opening her delightfully wild garden as part of the National Garden Scheme, which raises money for numerous causes.

Charm and Chris had five children during their long and happy marriage, including Cockermouth’s Visage owner, Rezwana Patterson.

She had frequent visitors during her short illness and passed away peacefully on September 2 with her family by her side.

A memorial service will be held on September 29 at 2pm. The family says this is an open invitation and although they ask that no flowers are taken, there will be a collection taken for Hospice at Home West Cumbria and St Bees Priory organ restoration fund.

The church will be open today (Friday) for anyone who would like to light a candle or say a prayer.