A SUPERFIT pensioner has appealed for sponsors to make her energy sapping mammoth run a fund-raising success.

Marie Caldwell, aged 62, battled through the sun, heat and traffic in a tough road run from Blackpool to Bury.

But her efforts on Sunday in aid of Bury Hospice have so far attracted a disappointing response from the public and local businesses.

Mrs Caldwell, of Bolton Road, Hawkshaw, Bury, battled through the course in 12-and-a-quarter hours.

She said: "They were horrendous conditions with terrible heat and heavy traffic along the route.

"It took longer than I anticipated and I got sunburn on my neck, but I've done it and I'm glad I've done it."

But she added: "I am terribly disappointed at the lack of sponsorship money. So far we have got a very disappointing total.

"I just hope that now people have seen I've done it they'll donate some money to what is such a good cause."

Marie is an accomplished runner. On January 2 she became the oldest woman to complete the first British Marathon of the new Millennium and last October she set six British records in the 24-hour track championships.

She has gained British and European records for ultra-distance running since she took up the sport at the age of 45.

Marie is collecting sponsorship cash for the next two weeks before she makes her presentation to Bury Hospice. Anyone who wants to donate in recognition of her run should call her on Bolton 887305.