The cancellation of this year's Great North Run did not stop two committed fundraisers from succeeding in completing a marathon running challenge.

Caitlin Etisoy and Rosie Cumella raised more than £900 for the Lake District Calvert Trust (LDCT), after completing the Great North Run Solo - a "virtual" version of the annual event, held in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Caitlin, Keswick resident and former LDCT volunteer, had secured a coveted Calvert charity place in this year’s Great North Run.

On hearing the news that the event would no longer take place, Caitlin decided to commit to the virtual version of the event.

She was joined in her challenge by LDCT fundraising officer Rosie Cumella.

The challenge for the pair, set in honour of what would have been the 40th year of the Great North Run was to complete 40 runs between June 28 and September 13.

Early Sunday morning, for their final, 40th run, Caitlin and Rosie, set off from Moot Hall on a challenging 13.1 mile route.

This took them along Catbells terrace to Grange, Ashness Bridge, Walla Crag then finished at Derwent Water Marina. The pair was accompanied throughout the entire route by Lisa Suttle, Marina Manager at Derwent Water Marina and was met at Grange by a fantastic support crew of Sarah Etisoy, Lou Dodds and Leanne Day.

Caitlin said she was very glad to be able to continue fundraising for the Calvert Trust.

"I’d like to say a huge thank you to Leanne for running 90 per cent of the runs with me - keeping me motivated throughout the whole process - and to Lisa for being the most amazing support on the day. Another special thank you to Sarah, Lou, Zoe, Nicky and Yvonne for being a brilliant support team!”

From donations to their fundraising pages, Caitlin and Rosie have raised more than £900 for the Lake District Calvert Trust, enabling more people with disabilities to experience life-enriching outdoor adventures.

Rosie said she was glad to have been a part of the Great North Run Solo experience.

"It’s been a very challenging time for the Trust.

"The Great North Run is a fantastic event and an annual highlight in our fundraising calendar.

"Now more than ever, we are reliant on events such as these to secure vital income to continue our important work.

"Everyone at Calvert is incredibly grateful to Caitlin for all her hard work training and fundraising, particularly at such a difficult time. “