A GARGRAVE mum’s ambitious plan to conquer a three-marathon charity challenge was dramatically halted on Sunday when she collapsed during the race in Berlin, Germany.

But despite the setback, Benedicte Frew, a mother of three, is still determined to take on the third part of the challenge later this year in New York and also make up the miles she didn’t complete at the weekend.

Benedicte, who works at Skipton Building Society as head of financial advice, on-boarding and risk, was taking part in the Berlin Marathon.

But her marathon effort was thwarted when she was forced to stop while only a few miles from the tape.

She said: “It was an incredibly hot day and I ended up running out of energy at mile 21. Despite my mind wanting to keep going, my body was not able to do so.

“I collapsed on the side of the road and ended up in an ambulance with very low levels of oxygen.

“Disappointingly, I was not able to finish the race so no shiny medal to show for it.

“The marathon is a huge undertaking and really takes its toll on the body. However, I have not given up on my challenge and will be making up the missing miles as soon as I am able to do so.

“I have signed up to the Yorkshire 10 mile race in York in a couple of weeks to make up the missing five miles.

Benedicte is now looking forward to conquering the New York Marathon in November after completing the Milton Keynes marathon earlier this year.

Benedicte said: “I ran my first marathon in October 2019 and somehow caught the running bug. So at the start of 2020, I set myself the challenge of running three marathons in support of ‘Get Kids Going’, a wonderful charity which inspires and provides disabled children with the opportunity of participating in sports.

“But then Covid-19 happened and all races were cancelled. However, UK charities are more than ever struggling to raise funds which is why I am not giving up on my challenge.

“As a mum of three very active children, I am grateful that my children are able to take part in a wide range of sports including football, rugby, skiing and tennis. The benefits of exercise, both physical and mental, have been life savers for us during lockdown and this is why I am raising money for ‘Get Kids Going’.

“So far I have raised £1,651 towards a target of £2,500. I know times are particularly challenging right now but if people are willing and able to donate, they can click on: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenedicteFrew