�A Hornchurch woman raised more than �1,800 for First Step after completing the Brentwood Half-Marathon.

Linda Sandham, 49, raised the money with the help of The Railway Hotel in Hornchurch, where she works.

Customers rallied around to help fundraise for quiz nights and a charity disco, where all money will go to the local children’s charity.

‘Touched’

Linda, who had never run a half-marathon before, said: “I have been fundraising since January, and I am happy with the amount we have given to the charity.

“The day was fine, so it made it easier and it was a good atmosphere. I was really pleased with how much we raised and that kept me going.

“When I heard about the work that First Step does to help children with special needs and what the parents go through, it really touched me. I wanted to raise as much money as I could for them.

“They have a brilliant place at First Step, and I have decided to continue doing events for them. I am ready for my next challenge – the 10k run in July in central London.”

She is also planning a series of discos and quiz nights at the Railway Hotel.