Last Sunday, Gillian Whitehead, Director at Citizens Advice Bath and North East Somerset, braved the scorching heat to take on a challenge with almost 400 other runners at the Bath Two Tunnels Half Marathon to raise almost £1,000 for the charity.

The Bath Two Tunnels Half Marathon takes place four times a year, and is a two-lap circuit that goes through the Devonshire Tunnel and Combe Down Tunnel.

Gillian achieved a time of two hours and forty minutes, coming sixth in her age group.

Gillian, who has worked for Citizens Advice for over twelve years, said: “After the Bath Half was cancelled due to the snow, I felt really deflated – I’d put in so much work training and was actually looking forward to the day. I really didn’t want to let down not only my sponsors, but also all the people in need that come through our doors each day, so I signed up for the Two Tunnels Half Marathon instead.

“As a small, local charity, we are reliant on important funding like this to support our vital services. Come snow, rain, or shine, I was determined to run this time to show my sponsors just how much their donations truly mean to our organisation.

“It was my first Half Marathon and it was even more of a challenge in sweltering 29 degree heat. It was worth every mile though to raise funds to make a life-changing difference to the lives of some of the most disadvantaged people in our community.”

Citizens Advice Bath & North East Somerset intends to use the donations from Gillian to fund the development of their life-changing services such as Advice Line – a telephone advice service that is often literally a lifeline for over 500 people a month, many of which are struggling with disabling health conditions and cannot leave their homes.

To help donate to Gillian’s fundraising page, please visit: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/gillwbathhalf/

Anyone who is interested in fundraising or getting involved in a challenge event to raise funds for the important work of Citizens Advice in Bath & North East Somerset is asked to please contact Laura Quinn, Fundraising and Business Development Manager, on 01225 303829, or by email: [email protected]