A RUNNER who a decade ago had never run in her life is aiming to complete 10 marathons in 10 days to raise money for charity.

Just 10 years ago Hayley Leece had never run in her life, unable to complete even a mile, but is now stepping up to an incredible challenge.

She works as a duty manager for the Brathay Trust, a charity that aims to improve the life chances of disadvantaged children and young people, and is the cause that has inspired her to literally go the extra mile.

The Mail: Even the toughest runs cannot take the smile from Hayley's faceEven the toughest runs cannot take the smile from Hayley's face (Image: Hayley Leece)

Talking about how she got into running, Hayley said: "My aim was to run the 1.7 mile path from Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge - I kept going and going, trying and trying, and eventually I ran the route without stopping.

"My 1.7 mile target turned into a 5k, 5k turned into 10k, 10k turned into a half marathon, then I got a place in the London Marathon 2015."

Since then, she has run 10 marathons, raising £7,000 for various charities in the process.

The Mail: Hayley appreciating her surroundings after the Thirlmere RunHayley appreciating her surroundings after the Thirlmere Run (Image: Hayley Leece)

"I am so grateful to my 10-year-ago self that she kept going when it seemed so hard," Hayley added.

"In May I will be taking on the biggest challenge of my life by attempting to run the Brathay 10 marathons in 10 days, which is considered one of the UKs toughest running endurance events."

The route is a full loop of Windermere, and is one of the hilliest road marathon routes in the country. 

Hayley, from Ambleside, has been training for the endeavour since July, exploring the best routes the Lake District has to offer.

The Mail: Hayley during her efforts to complete 20 miles a day for five daysHayley during her efforts to complete 20 miles a day for five days (Image: Hayley Leece)

"In December, including over Christmas, I ran ten miles per day for ten consecutive days, and then in February I ran 20 miles per day for five consecutive days," she said.

"Working at Brathay, I get to see first-hand the great work that this charity does for young people - aside from the personal challenge I have set myself, it also feels great to be raising money to support such a worthy cause."

You can contribute to Hayley's £3,000 goal by visiting her Brathay page here or her GoFundMe page here.