A CROWTHORNE mum successfully completed a tough 54km endurance challenge to raise money for the Red Cross last weekend.

Polly Gutteridge, 45, took part in the South Coast Challenge over the bank holiday weekend, tackling a 54km route from Eastbourne to Brighton in just over nine hours.

Mum to a three year old son and twins, age one, Polly has previously competed in several triathlons and marathons, but this was her first endurance competition since becoming a parent.

She said: “The whole thing has turned out to be quite the family affair, without their support I doubt it would've been possible!

“After having my children, finding the time to train was very difficult; but through the support of my husband I've been able to work in weekly training sessions to get my endurance up to scratch”.

She has so far raised more than £400 of her £1000 fundraising target after her mother-in-law, who is also the President of Cambridge Red Cross, encouraged her to start helping out the charity.

Mother in law Rosie Gutteridge has been a volunteer with the Red Cross for 27 years and was recently awarded a an MBE, she said: “I am so proud of Polly for completing such an immense challenge for the Red Cross.

“Her hard work and dedication really paid off."

To help Polly hit her fundraising target visit, http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=PollyGutteridge