HELEN Stacey broke the pain barrier and managed to raise £300 for a pre-school.

Mrs Stacey, 34, took part in the Reading half-marathon on Sunday.

She managed to complete the 13-mile course in 1hr 55mins, and came 4,508 out of a field of 10,200.

The money will go to Old Court Community Pre School in Wootton Bassett, which is appealing for help to buy new outdoor play equipment for its 100 children. Mrs Stacey, of Wootton Bassett, who has two sons Sam, three, and Jed, six, wanted to help because Sam currently goes to the playgroup and Jed used to.

She said: "The playgroup is desperate to build some kind of hardstanding ground so the children can have a race track for their bikes, and I hope this will help.

"I felt really good after the marathon, I felt really energised.

"There was heavy rain for the last few miles, but what topped it was running into the new Madejski stadium in Reading we felt like we were in the Olympics.

"The crowd was very supportive as well, and there were also some bands playing which helped the atmosphere."

Anyone who would like to help the playgroup's fundraising push can call 01793 849783.