Stourport Help for Heroes runner cuts short Isle of White challenge

The 28-year-old care worker from Stourport came within 10 miles of her target when forced to stop.

By that stage, Debbie had completed a commendable 58.13 miles in 17 hours before coming to a halt on the grounds of safety.

Debbie was undone by the late withdrawal of her support driver, which meant she had to carry her own supplies throughout the challenging ordeal.

The occupational health technician said: "It was brutal! Really hard. When people say the Isle of Wight is hilly - they're not wrong.

"It had become really dark and I felt it was not safe to continue. I couldn't risk my life."

Debbie had to call upon a friend to  collect her and take her back to the starting point at the Prince of Wales pub in East Cowes.

However, Debbie's efforts weren't completely in vain. She managed to raise £2,114 for her charity Help for Heroes.

Debbie added: "I'm convinced I would have finished if I'd had a support vehicle, because I had to carry a bag on my back, which was weighing me down.

"As a result, I started to develop  hip and back pain and the handles cut into my neck. It made it a stop-start affair."

Debbie's courageous effort didn't go unrewarded. The Prince of Wales pub proprietor  Pia Bamber gave her two nights complimentary accommodation and then chipped in with a £90 donation.

Debbie said: "They couldn't do enough for me. They even decorated the pub for the start of the run.

"It was my first visit to the Isle of Wight and I will go back ... but to relax next time."