A MIDSOMER Norton hairdresser has run her first half-marathon for charity after a chance encounter.

Avril Croxson took just over two hours to finish the Bath Half-Marathon, crossing the line at 2.05.38.

She signed up to run the race but then had a chance conversation with Mark Robertson about the loss of his daughter Lori, a nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Avril said: “When I first signed up for the race, I had not planned to run for charity as I did not want to put extra pressure on myself.

“However, about six weeks ago a gentleman sat in my barber chair and shared the heartbreaking story of losing his daughter, Lori Robertson, who worked as a nurse in the NICU unit.

“Lori’s parents, Helen and Mark Robertson, have already done an incredible job raising money in her memory for the NICU unit, and after hearing their story I wanted to help in any small way I could.”

With just six weeks to go before the run, Avril set up a GoFundMe page in Lori’s memory and, she said, was ‘blown away’ by the support she received from the community.

Avril said: “Thanks to the kindness and generosity of so many people, we have managed to raise an incredible £1,700 for the Lori Grace Robertson Tribute Fund (NICU Unit).

“It was a huge personal achievement for me, and one that meant even more because of the reason behind it.

“I am incredibly grateful to everybody who donated, supported, and helped make this possible.

“The community support has been truly amazing.

“I would also like to personally thank Helen and Mark for their support and for allowing me to run in memory of their beautiful daughter.

“They are truly lovely people with the kindest hearts.

“We did it, Lori.”