A STUDENT has spent the whole of 2017 running, walking and climbing to raise money for charity.

Emma Wright, from Darlington, is looking to complete 12 challenges in 12 months for St Teresa’s Hospice.

The 26-year-old, who is studying for a Masters Degree in philosophy whilst working full time at the Student Loans Company (SLC) at Lingfield Point, has already completed nine of her challenges, including The National and Yorkshire three peaks, The Teesdale Way. Hadrian’s Wall, The Lakes 3000 challenge, and most recently, the Great North Run.

In doing so, she has already raised more than £1,000 for the hospice.

She will finish her challenge with a 15-day trek through the Himalayas to the base camp of Mount Everest at the end of November.

Ms Wright said: “Towards the end of 2016, I came to the realisation that all of my highlights from the previous 12 months were from selfish endeavours.

“I refused to let another year be focused around me and decided that 2017 will be a year of giving.

“St Teresa’s Hospice helps so many people at the most difficult time of their lives and I decided to spend 2017 completing 12 challenges in 12 months to raise money for them,” she added.

Ms Wright remains confident of completing her epic task despite battling injury in one of her earlier challenges.

“There have been tough times too though - during my first challenge in January I was meant to be up and down Roseberry Topping six times and on my third descent I slipped on some ice and damaged multiple ligaments in my ankle.

"Luckily, a personal trainer and an army officer found me and helped me down the hill on the day so I didn’t have to call Mountain Rescue, but the injury itself took three months to recover to a level I could confidently walk again.

"It hasn’t stopped me from continuing with the challenges and I’ve only got two more left before the grand finale at the end of this year."

Ms Wright, who works as a disabled student advisor at SLC, says her colleagues have been very supportive.

It makes such a difference when you are, for example, 97 miles into a walk in torrential rain, and see some familiar faces to motivate you."

To sponsor Ms Wright, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emma-wright1212.