AN army officer who developed a brain tumour has raised thousands of pounds for a charity that helped her get through the ordeal.

Major Jacquie Barlow is claiming a world record after running 80 half marathons in as many days, notching up a total of 1,054 miles.

Ten years ago Jacquie, 45, of Dibden Purlieu, was diagnosed with a tumour on her cerebellum and spinal cord. She needed a major operation and spent long periods in intensive care.

Jacquie and her family received a large amount of help from Macmillan Cancer Support.

After deciding to raise funds for the charity she discovered there was no record for the largest number of "unofficial" half marathons run by a woman on consecutive days.

Jacquie vowed to set one herself and approached Guinness World Records (GWR).

She said: "I applied in January 2020 and approval came through in May. The plan was to start in August but because of Covid-19 I decided to postpone the challenge.

“GWR set a marker, saying I needed to complete 60 half marathons."

Jacquie finally embarked on her challenge on January 1 and had to brave the worst of the winter weather, including howling blizzards and driving rain.

Her quest ended in triumph when she crossed the finishing line for the final time, cheered home by members of Totton Running Club.

She has so far raised £6,724, easily exceeding her original target.

Having beaten the disease that threatened to end her life she has suffered the heartache of seeing her sister, Janet Housley, 55, of The Wirral, develop lung, breast and blood cancer.

Jacquie, a member of the Royal Logistic Corps, is currently based at Catterick in Yorkshire.

Urging other people to help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support she said: "The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the charity's income.

"Macmillan is vital for cancer patients at a time where the NHS is stretched.

"They are there to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can, providing physical, financial and emotional support.

"Life with cancer is still life and Macmillan help people live it, but they can't do it without your support."