FUNDRAISER Kirsty Hyde thought her training might go to waste when the Bath Half Marathon was cancelled because of snow.

But now she will be lining up at the start of the Devizes Half Marathon on April 8 to raise money for Dorothy House hospice in Winsley.

Ms Hyde, who works at Specsavers in Devizes, said: "‘I was so disappointed when they cancelled the race, although it was clearly the right decision given the awful weather,’ says Kirsty. ‘I’m just pleased that I’ve found an event I can still take part in and will be able to follow through with my pledge to raise money for Dorothy House.

"A few months ago, I lost a family member to cancer. After spending four weeks in the peaceful surroundings at Dorothy House, my family benefited from the incredible and tireless work of the team, which is why the charity is so close to my heart."

Karen Carvallo, Specsavers Devizes store director praised Ms Hyde for her determination. She said: "We’re thrilled that Kirsty is going to be able to take part in the Devizes Half Marathon. "

She’s worked really hard with her training and we know how much Dorothy House means to her. We’ll all be cheering her on come race day."

Ms Hyde has already raised £397 surpassing her original fundraising target of £300, but is still hoping to add to this. To sponsor her go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kirstyhyde2018 or go into the shop in The Brittox to make a donation.

Entry to the half marathon, which starts on The Green at 9.30am, is now sold out but also taking his place at the start will be Mike Harley who has set himself the challenge of running a marathon in every country in the European Union which will mean completing 28 marathons in total.

He will be using the Devizes half as a warm up for the Vienna marathon on April 22. Mr Harley from Bristol started his challenge three years ago and is raising money for biomedical research and awareness of ME which causes extreme fatigue.

He said: "One of my best friends has had ME for over 10 years and has been unable to work or lead a normal life in that time due to extreme fatigue, headaches, joint pain, nausea, brainfog and much more.

"I will be meeting some local ME patients at the finish when we will all gather under my big flag.

"So far I've run over 3500 miles and raised £10.5K for www.investinme.org and have completed 15 of my European marathons."