NURSE Melanie Goslin has run the Virtual London Marathon in aid of homeless animals.

Fifty-year-old Melanie was training to run the London Marathon for Animals in Distress in April when the event was cancelled due to the Covid crisis.

Though Melanie was unable to complete her challenge of a lifetime, that didn’t stop her!

She carried on training, despite having a knee injury, and completed her 26 mile challenge virtually on a treadmill in her garage – raising an incredible £1,860.92 for the animals in the care of Animals in Distress.

Melanie, who is a nurse is originally from Maidstone, Kent and has now settled by the sea in Dawlish with her husband Tim, their two grown up sons and their dog, cats, tortoise and chickens.

Melanie started her running journey by completing the Couch to 5k as she wanted to become more active and be a runner.

Her first run was Race for Life eight years ago and she has been running ever since. She went on to complete the Reading 10k and Reading Half Marathon. On moving to Devon Melanie took part in the Torbay and Taunton Half Marathons and the Great West Run in Cardiff.

Melanie turned 50 last year and decided to celebrate this milestone by challenging herself to run a Marathon.

She was thrilled to receive a much sought-after place in the London Marathon.

Melanie decided to support Animals in distress as she loves animals and has rescued many animals over the years, so the rescue centre holds a close place in her heart. All of her cats and tortoise are rescues.

Melanie said: ‘There are so many animals that need homes in the southwest and having a place like Animals in Distress to care for them until they are rehomed is so important.

‘I feel that we are all responsible for the welfare of domestic animals and should give them the opportunity of a loving home just like us.

‘I was really excited to take on this challenge for such a worthy cause.’

Emma Boulton, Community and Events Fundraiser at Animals in Distress said: ‘What a phenomenal lady Melanie is and we’re so grateful to her for choosing to support Animals is Distress.

‘The support we gain from people like Melanie in our community is invaluable and it is thanks to them that we are able to provide a safe, loving and comfortable environment for the animals in our care until they find their perfect new home.”

To find out more about the Ipplepen based charity visit www.animalsindistress.uk.com