A Carlisle woman has raised more than £3000 for charity after completing the world-famous London marathon last month. 

Cath Prescott had never run a marathon before but in late April, she took on one of the biggest running events in the world, in the name of Refuge, a charity which provides specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence. 

Having previously escaped an abusive relationship, Cath was determined to conquer the 26.2 miles, despite having only taken up running at the age of 41. 

Months of training meant that the Carlisle Foodbank volunteer struggled more with the intensity and noise levels of the crowd, rather than the run itself. 

Speaking to the News & Star, she said: "It was amazing to be a part of such an iconic marathon. I definitely felt like a part of history being there, especially as I am the same age as the marathon itself - both established in 1981!

"Physically I felt strong, I'd done my weeks and months of training and that part I felt I was very prepared for. Nothing could have prepared me for the mental challenges I'd face though. I admit to having found the crowds of people hard to cope with - it was a huge sensory overload.

"The people supporting are incredible, but it is very full on, and if you're not fully prepared for it you don't know quite how to deal with it at first.

Cath's amazing efforts, which also included an afternoon concert at Carlisle Cathedral, have seen her raise over £3500 for Refuge, something she is immensely proud of. 

She added: "I am beyond over the moon to have raised such a substantial amount of money for Refuge. I am incredible grateful for the support."

"I felt an overwhelming sense of achievement that not only had I raised the money for Refuge, I'd actually finished the London Marathon. It seemed only a pipe dream when I started running just last year. I hope I've proved to myself that anything is possible if you want it enough and you're willing to work for it.