A DEDICATED West Dorset woman took to the streets of Paris to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Keen runner Shannon Hill, 20, took part in the Paris Marathon on April 6 and tackled the track of 26 miles for the charity close to her family’s hearts.

Shannon said: “It was a phenomenal experience and by the end of it all I was exhausted. It was 18 degrees on the day so it was certainly a brilliant day for the marathon.

“I didn’t finish in the time I wanted to which was four and a half hours, but I finished in six hours and 23 minutes which is all that matters to me.

“I have raised £2,300 so far which I am delighted with, beating my original target of £2,000.

“It was a brilliant experience which I will certainly remember for a very long time and I am glad I raised as much as I could for the Alzheimer’s Society.

“Awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementias needs to be raised. More and more people are being diagnosed with the condition.”

The Alzheimer’s Society is a UK care and research charity which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia.

Local services by the organisation include day care and home care for people with dementia, as well as support and befriending services to help partners and families cope with the demands of caring.

Shannon, from Beaminster, added: “Thank you to everyone who donated and supported me, not just in terms of money but also encouragement too.”

A charity football match was also held on March 9 in Weymouth to support Shannon’s efforts and raised a total of £290.

Those still wanting to donate to Shannon can visit justgiving.com/ Shannon-hill2 or text DIZZ93 to 70070 followed by how much they want to donate.