Police constable tackles gruelling challenge in the Alps

Forty-four-year-old has just completed the gruelling Ultra Trail Tour Du Mont Blanc - a 105-mile circuit around Mont Blanc - for the second time.

The race involves an ascent of 10,000 metres and Jane completed it in 44 hours - without a break.

"I just wanted to complete it under the 46 hours," said Jane, who is based in Settle and is married to fellow police officer Harry.

"The fastest men do it in 21 hours, and fastest women, 23, but I can’t compete with them - especially as they are sponsored runners who don’t work full time shifts, have stepchildren, a husband, two dogs and an allotment!"

Jane took up running in 2003 after being successfully treated for pernicious anaemia and an underactive thyroid.

"I felt like I had been reborn and one day shocked all my family and friends when I said ‘I am going for a run’. I have always been active, but struggled with fitness. I was a keen caver and climber, but when I started to feel good, I took up endurance sports and, whilst I am not fast, I can keep going.

Her first challenge was to complete the Great North Run and she later learnt to swim and swam 10.5 miles across Windermere.

"I have more determination than fitness," she said.

Jane has competed in the Mont Blanc event four times before, but failed to finish on three occasions.

She said: "It is described as the hardest single stage foot race in Europe. It is tough, really tough, but incredible to achieve.

"The support along the route is incredible – when passing through tiny hamlets up in the mountains, there are always people out in all weathers, with cow bells and shouts of encouragement. Running into Chamonix at the finish feels like you have gained gold medal in the Olympics.

"This year my hubby Harry and stepchildren ran over the line with me and the live internet feed meant my friends and family back home could also share the experience."

Jane joined Cumbria Constabulary in 2008 and transferred to North Yorkshire in July, 2013.