A MOTHER-OF-THREE from Burnholme, York, has raised £800 for the Breathe Easy support network by completing the New York Marathon, which athletes regard as one of the toughest long-distance events in the world.

Jackie Franks, 40, entered the marathon with her boyfriend, Gary Huggan, to boost the British Lung Foundation project.

She said: "Gary runs regularly and has done several marathons, but I had never run one before - I was very lucky because I gained entry to the event and he didn't!

"I knew I had a gruelling training schedule ahead of me and got up to running about 40 miles a week, sometimes on the moors, to ensure I was mentally and physically prepared.

"Unfortunately, four weeks before the marathon I injured my knee, which affected my training and time on the day.

"My overall time was five hours, 30 minutes, which is quite disappointing because I'd completed the first 18 miles in only three and a half hours, when my knee started giving me trouble.

"I was forced to walk for the next three miles and then ran the last five - it took me two hours to do the last eight miles!"

However, Jackie has not let the injury affect her memories of the day.

She said: "I was quite nervous beforehand, because I didn't know what to expect and had to leave my boyfriend to be bussed to the start, but there was a fantastic atmosphere and the crowds were encouraging."

Jackie was encouraged to collect sponsorship for the Breathe Easy network by her best friend's father, Tony Wilson, who is involved with the York branch.

A TEACHER on a marathon mission to boost the coffers of a charity close to her heart is staging a festive fundraiser for the cause.

Jess Evans, a Year Three teacher at Terrington Hall School, has already raised £600 by completing the Great North Run in Newcastle and is doubling her efforts for the London Marathon in 2006.

To spur her on, Terrington Hall is holding a Christmas Fair from 3.30pm tomorrow, with proceeds going into the pot.

Jess hopes to raise £2,500 for Spinal Research to mark the charity's 25th birthday.

She said her inspiration came from her mum, Sue Evans, who was seriously injured in a car accident.

"My mum was paralysed at the age of 22, and has led a remarkable life, although I know that if she had been given the opportunity to walk again, it would have been a dream come true," she said.

To sponsor Jess in the London Marathon, log on to www.justgiving.com/jevans or phone 01653 648227.

Updated: 10:42 Thursday, December 08, 2005