A LAND’S End to John O’Groats run organised by a young West Somerset student in support of Down’s syndrome charities could become an annual event.

More than £30,000 was raised by the 14-day RunAcrossUK event March and April of this year as more than 80 runners covered the 1,053-mile journey.

It was organised by Iris Hammond, of Shurton, near Stogursey, who is a law and business studies student in the University of the West of England, Bristol.

Iris was inspired to arrange the fund-raiser by her ‘incredible little sister, Nancy, who has attacked every challenge with such determination and joy’.

She said: “RunAcrossUK aimed to change the conversation that surrounds Down’s syndrome.

“I want society to have an insight into what Down’s syndrome is for me and my family, I want the world to see how capable people with Down’s syndrome are.

“It definitely has not sunk in yet what we have all managed to achieve over the past few months, and I am so proud of each and every person that took part.

“Thank you for all your support and encouragement along the way.

“RunAcrossUK 2025, here we come.”

The money raised from the run will be shared between the Down’s Syndrome Association and Down’s Syndrome Scotland.

Runners included Iris’s parents and other family and friends, as well as strangers who were inspired to take on the challenge.

Iris said: “They tackled a variety of runs, relishing the logistical challenges along the way.

“I am so grateful to the support drivers, those who ran a few miles, the ultramarathon runners, and everybody in between.

“Arriving at John O’Groats was such an emotional moment, I was greeted by my family and the wonderful Down’s Syndrome Scotland team.

“It was a very challenging final run, the weather was horrific and the steep hill into John O’Groats was tough, probably the hardest thing I have ever had to do.

“It was therefore an incredibly surreal experience arriving, having raised so much money and awareness.”

Among the supporters of the event was Kilve Cricket Club, of which 12-year-old Nancy is a member.