A GRANDDAUGHTER is taking on a sporting challenge to make the strongest runner wilt as she aims to complete 18 half marathons this year.

Zoe Willis, houseplants team leader at Perrywood Garden Centre in Tiptree, will be running to raise money for Mid and North East Essex Mind.

The garden centre will match fund the total amount raised by Zoe.

So far, she has completed four of the 18 half marathons – Essar Four Villages Half Marathon, Helmsby, Mitja Marto de Barcelona Half Marathon, Spain, Colchester and Cambridge.

Last year, Zoe ran her first marathon in Chester in memory of her grandmother, Grace Willis.

She raised £2,000 for St Helena Hospice.

This year, Zoe has set herself an even bigger challenge.

Zoe, 27, of Straight Road, Colchester, said: “After training and running for the marathon last year, my fitness and health was probably the best it had ever been. I had so much energy and felt a lot happier and positive.

“I’ve now completed my first two half marathons for this year and I definitely feel so much better – I hope to be buzzing by the end of the year.

“Mid and North East Essex Mind is such a fantastic charity that has helped me in the past and I believe everyone should have the chance to be able to talk about mental health. I am delighted to be raising funds for them.

“It’s a personal thing for me as they gave me some counselling while I was at university.”

Zoe’s list of forthcoming half marathons include Bingay, Norwich and Essar Chester in April, Hackney in May, Southend in June, Killarney in July, Clacton in August, Bedford, the Great East Run Ipswich, and Blenheim Palace in September.

She said: “I’m confident I am going to do it as I like a challenge. It’s more about just completing the runs, I’m not worried about the time.”

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