A CHARITY worker from Allerford put her best foot forward as she ran the length of Ireland – in just ten days.

Kind-hearted Lucie Barney covered a mammoth 35 miles a day as she ran from tip to toe in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, a charity she holds close to her heart.

The 29-year-old said: “I was drawn to raise money for Marie Curie when my childhood friend passed away aged 24, closely followed by my aunt and my university tutor, all from cancer.

“All three have inspired me to live life to the full and to grasp every opportunity, hence taking on challenges like this.”

Lucie broke an unusual world record last year as she ran the London Marathon dressed as a shoe.

But her latest challenge far outweighed her exploits in the capital as she covered 356 miles running from Malin Head to Mizen Head.

“Mileage per day was on average 35 miles with one day at 44,” said Lucie.

“There were moments of despair, including hitting a severe wall at 250 miles where I succumbed to lying in the road unable to move.

“My friends Gordon, Roy and Lisa were cycling the same route but kindly gave me a head start.

“In total, we aim to raise £10,000 for Marie Curie to contribute to the nurses who are caring for people with terminal cancer.

So far, we are nearing the £9,000 mark so it would be great if we could reach the target.”