Family and friends of Stonar School pupil India Hedley, who died last August, aged 13, took part in a charity run in her name to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal.

India’s parents Alasdair and Julie organised the run with Clare Ward in gratitude for support received from air ambulance paramedics. Paramedic Matt Baskerville, who had attended to India, also took part in the run.

Mrs Ward, who had been a close friend of Mrs Hedley since their childhood in Lacock, offered to run three half marathons to raise money for the appeal in India’s name. She completed the Chippenham half marathon in one hour 47 minutes and the Devizes one a minute quicker, but does not know her time in the third effort, from her home village of Urchfont to the air support headquarters in Devizes.

She said: “Despite bad weather, it was a great occasion and we have raised so much in India’s memory.”

Mrs Ward set off from the top green in Urchfont with friends Zoe Rucker and Rohaise des Veaux, and Gill Johnson, a teacher from the Atworth school.

Mr and Mrs Hedley, their other children, Poppy, 11, and Alexander, seven, joined the runners at All Cannings on the route to the air support unit at police headquarters in London Road, along with other friends.

Mr Hedley, who is in charge of the international section at estate agents Hamptons, said: “We are so grateful for all the support. India would be delighted.”

Mrs Ward has already received almost £9,000 in pledges on her Justgiving website – www.justgiving. com/c-ward and it is still open for donations. Mr Hedley has set up his own sponsorship fund and his total now stands at £3,700.