LAST year a former Bridport woman ran seven marathons in seven days for a charity she started called the Hidden Needs Trust for children with special educational needs.

This year she upped the challenge and has just completed 26 marathons in 26 days across west Dorset.

From her seven marathons Rachel Goodfellow, who now lives in Sherborne, was able to hand over more than £10,000 to special opportunity groups and this year her target is £50,000.

She said when decided to run in the south west to spread the word about the charity.

She said: “The reason...so that Hidden Needs Trust could be seen all over the SW region, spreading the word about what it was about and engaging others to help fundraise.

“I also wanted everyone to think more about what SEN is about...spreading awareness about how to access information and therefore ensuring people had better tools when it came to communicating with those with special educational needs.”

On her runs, which included Bridport, Lyme Regis, Upwey and Cerne Abbas, she found time to visit the Dorchester Opportunities group.

She said: “This is what it is all about, seeing the children and getting a greater understanding of what they need in terms of preschool interventions.

“The Opportunity Groups are absolutely vital to the lives of these children and their families.

“HNT aims to support them to help the children reach their full potential.

“It also gives me an idea of where the funds that the Opportunity Groups receive go, how much more funding is required, and where this extra funding would be used...in the short and long term.”

Rachel said the children she met really helped motivate her and had been wonderful.

She said: “The children were so enthusiastic.

“They had made a wonderful banner and flags, and were very keen to chat, trying on my glasses, getting me to hoola hoop with the Mayoress, and being even more interested in having their photos taken by Dave.

“One little boy, as soon as the camera appeared, automatically cried out...”cheese” and gave a big grin.”

Rachel, 51, has five children and William, 13, completed nearly 35 miles with her and has his own Just Giving Page. He is nearly at his target and Rachel said he’d b so proud if he reached it. Some of her other children also ran stages with her.

She added: “The whole campaign has been a huge success as so many schools have been proactive and have come on board for the next year.”

The Opportunity Groups support pre-school children with special needs and their families. Rachel said: “It is our belief that all children should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in a happy and play-centered environment.”

Donate to justgiving.com/fundraising/Rachel-Goodfellow