A WREXHAM runner is set to celebrate 400 days of consecutive half marathons this weekend.

Helen Ryvar, from Llay, is running to raise money for Mind following the tragic sudden death of her ex-husband in 2020, just before the lockdown hit the UK.

She said it was a huge shock, leaving her kids devastated, but running helped the now 42-year-old deal with the bereavement process, by focusing her energy on something positive and staying strong for her children.

She began running or walking short distances every day and by February 2021 embarked on a 28-day challenge to run a half marathon every day.

She enjoyed it so much she continued the streak and by April realised she could break the women's Guinness World Record of 75 consecutive half marathons.

By May 2021, she had set a new record of 111.

She is now aiming to set a Guinness World Record by running 500 half marathons and Sunday, June 4, marks 400!

The Leader:

She will start her route in The Crown Pub in Llay at 10am and to celebrate the milestone, has encouraged everyone in the area to show their support by joining in on the run or cheering from the sideline.

There will also be drinks and cakes in the pub afterwards to celebrate Helen's success.

After surpassing her initial target of 400 marathons, Helen said: "It will be a tough new record to beat. 500 will mean I get to enjoy these summer runs all over again, and finish in early September ready for my next challenge in early October." 

Helen begins her daily running during the early hours of the morning before work, sharing her records, pace and improved stamina with her social media followers.

She has so far raised over £3,600. 

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She said: "I've suffered from mental health issues in the past and running has helped me massively get myself back on track.

"My ex-husband also suffered from multiple mental health issues and that is another reason for running for Mind."

Suzt Turner, a friend of Helen's said: "You have shown me (and hopefully others) that we all have the strength within ourselves to cope with more than we know."