TWO Whitchurch mums have completed a 100km race as part of their campaign to raise money for a new outdoor play area at Whitchurch CE (VA) Primary School.

Kirsty Jones and Laura Hurcombe completed the Race to the Stones on the weekend of the 15th and 16th of July.

The journey took them from the Chilterns, through the North Wessex Downs before finishing at the stones of Avenbury, all in just over 18 hours for Laura and just over 24 hours for Kirsty.

Mrs Jones was flooded with emotions after finishing, having spent two years working up to this point.

“This was our first ultramarathon and we are proper mums, we both work full time, two years ago I couldn’t run to the end of the street. We were both novices but decided it was a good challenge to do before we got too old.

“We ran five half marathons last year and two marathons this year. They were all building up to this.

“It was emotional, I was in disbelief but also relieved, it was all those things. You can see the finish line from a while away so it built up. It was really emotional knowing your body has just walked 100km.”

Their efforts have all been to raise money for a multi terrain outdoor play area for the school, and so far they have had plenty of support with their total currently sitting at £4,240.

Mrs Jones said: “We have had lots of support, especially from the students and parents, they have been amazing.

“Business-wise have had great support from the Ye Old Ferrie Inn in Symonds Yat, A J Lowther and Sons and the Old Court Hotel.”

While they realise the play area may not be installed before their involvement with this school is finished, the pair wanted to know the best way to help out the school, and they hope their efforts will do more than just help its construction.

“It will be good to leave something behind. With any luck we have inspired a generation that normal people can do amazing things.”

The pair will still continue to raise money and try to reach their target of £5,000 but are currently taking a well deserved rest. To donate visit www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/whitchurchmums