A Gillingham mum has run nearly 500 miles to complete 40 races before her 40th birthday.

Kirsty Winwood, from Charter Street, completed eight marathons and a number of fun runs, before she turned 40 last week.

The mum of three decided to take on the challenge after she heard a fellow runner at parkrun mention they were doing something similar for their 50th.

“I have spent my 40th year achieving all this and I have something to show for it,” she said.

“I started running organised events around 18 months ago and about the same time joined a running group called Cornerstone Fit who cater for runners of all abilities, including plodders like myself. I’ve run 497 miles, not including training.”

“In April I ran my first marathon at Brighton after fantastic training and help from the Cornerstone team.

“I enjoyed it so much that I have now run eight marathon distances including events such as a cake-a-thon and a double marathon in a weekend.

“I’ve also run a few events for the Wisdom Hospice after losing my mum, Mary Falkner, 69, to cancer in January this year, running seemed to give me the mental strength and determination to just keep going through tough days.

“She lived round the corner from me, it was a big shock, she was not one to show that she was ill.”

Mrs Winwood has also raised more than £500 for Parkinsons UK as her brother-in-law Tony Barnes suffers from the disease.

Her three children have been involved in some of the races. She said: “My oldest crossed the line with me at Brighton and he said ‘I am really proud of you mum’.”