MARATHON mums Helen Scahill and Caroline Pocock have fulfilled a life-long ambition by completing their first marathon and raised more than £4,500 for the NSPCC into the bargain.

Helen and Caroline, who are both 33 and from Old Town, have been friends since they were just five.

They completed the 26 mile race in a little under five-and-a-half hours, running the last mile in about eight minutes.

Helen, who works for hi-tech company Intel, said: "It was our first-ever marathon. It was absolutely amazing.

"We were used to training in the wet weather so we did not mind that at all."

Caroline, a full-time hairdresser said: "We had all been told of 'the wall', which is supposed to hit you at about 20 miles but we had no problems.

"It is a fantastic event and I think everyone should have a go. If we can do it anyone can."

Meanwhile, children at the Jigsaw day nursery in Broome, attended by Helen's 12-month old daughter Ruby, also got into the marathon spirit, holding their own sponsored run to add to Helen and Caroline's fundraising efforts.