A GROUP of fundraisers running on behalf of a family charity have completed the world’s biggest and most prestigious half marathon.

Maria Furlong, Helen Upton and Simon Till, all from Saffron Walden, ran in the Bupa Great North Run (GNR) on Sunday to raise money for Home-Start Uttlesford.

The 13.1-mile event, which starts in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and concludes in South Shields, comprises 54,000 runners from all over the world.

Maria, co-ordinator of the charity’s family group which runs at the New Life Church on Shire Hill, said: “All of us were really pleased with our times – although we all tried to avoid being passed by Mr Blobby, Scooby Doo and a man with a mobility scooter on his head!

“There were lots of spectators along the way offering everything from biscuits, ice-pops, oranges and even small samples of beer.

“The red arrows did a fly past at the start and a display at the end which was amazing.”

The trio have raised over �1,000 so far, and Maria added: “We would like to continue to raise as much as possible for the charity – �175 will train and support a volunteer for a year, �800 would pay for an annual outing, and �1,000 would pay to hire the hall for a year for the family group.”

To support the group visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/HomeStartUttlesford3

Home-Start Uttlesford supports families with young children in the community. Volunteers visit parents, who have at least one child under five, at home and give emotional and practical help.

Visit homestartuttlesford.org.uk to find out more about the charity and how you could become involved, or call 01799 520728 or e-mail admin@homestart uttlesford.org.uk.