ACHING muscles and sunburn did nothing to stop a brave runner from crossing the finish line after she showed some real dedication.

Determined Ellen Smith took on the Great North Run in Newcastle with her father Paul earlier this month and completed her first half marathon in two hours and 50 minutes.

Ellen, aged 21, of Bilberry Close, Whitefield, signed up in aid of Heart UK, a charity that helps improve health and fitness by supporting projects across the country.

She chose to support Heart UK after its leaders gave a £9,000 grant to Bury-based disability sports charity Jigsaw, where Ellen works.

The cash is funding a year-long project promoting healthy heart initiatives.

Ellen, who had only previously run six-mile events before, said: "If I'm being honest it was horrendous at times.

"It was a hot day and I got sunburnt and afterwards I had aching muscles.

"I had to walk about a mile of the course, at the nine-mile mark, but the feeling at the finish line was like nothing else.

"The atmosphere was very special and it was great to be there with my dad."

Paul, aged 47, has done half marathons in the past and ran at Ellen's pace to help her along.

Ellen added: "I've had loads of support from everyone at Jigsaw and everyone at work has been trying on my medal. I'm really pleased to have earned it."

The dad and daughter duo have smashed their £500 fundraising target and their current total stands at £600.

Donations can still be made by visiting tinyurl.com/greatnorthellenpaul.