A NORTH-EAST runner achieved her goal to complete the London Marathon blindfolded, as part of a challenge to run 15 marathons in as many months.

Kerry Whitney, originally from Middlesbrough, crossed the finish line in a time of seven hours eleven minutes, accompanied by her guide for the day, Abbie Udall.

Sunday’s race was her third marathon in just 15 days, after completing the 26.2 mile distance in Brighton and Manchester, before she took part in the annual London event.

She is hoping to raise £5,000 for Sense, a national charity that supports people who are both deaf and blind.

The 34-year-old decided to take on the challenge after being inspired by her work at a school for disabled children.

“I wanted to come up with a challenge full of challenges to show my support to the kids," she said.

"Running the marathon without being able to see was extremely hard, but whenever I got scared, I just thought about the kids. They’re always in my thoughts when I run"

She only started running five years ago and has completed nine marathons and over 50 other races since.

“I once read a quote that said ‘I’m slower than a herd of turtles running through peanut butter, but I run’. Don’t let people tell you that you can’t do something. Just never give up.”

To sponsor her, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KerryWhitney