A HEART surgeon specialist from Dorset has become the first female solo runner to complete the gruelling South West Coastal Challenge.

Cardiac specialist and keen runner Dani Blackie set out on April 14 to race a 630-mile endurance challenge along the South West Coast Path, including the Jurassic Coast region.

The 34-year-old began her journey bright and early at 6am in Minehead, Somerset, and arrived at South Haven Point, Studland, at 9pm on Sunday, May 2.

She said: "I'm an avid runner and wanted to combine that with my love for the south west coastline - and to raise money for good causes.

"Usually people do the challenge clockwise, but I wanted to run towards Dorset - so I did it anticlockwise. It felt romantic to run home."

In total, Ms Blackie, who lives in Christchurch, has raised more than £1,220 - smashing her original target of £630.

The amount will be split, with 80 per cent going to animal welfare charity Save Me Trust, and 20 per cent the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA).

"One of my biggest motivations was to raise money for the Save Me Trust which help to protect wild animals," she said.

"The SWCPA keep the coastal paths safe for runners, so I wanted to give something back.

"I'm the first solo female runner to complete the challenge, so another one of my motivations was to do it for the girls."

Ms Blackie ran over what she had planned by more than 50 miles, completing 682 miles in 18 days, 15 hours and 25 minutes.

She said: "My partner Matt Jaquest was driving in a motorhome and helped me get through the challenge.

"The biggest challenges I faced was not knowing whether I'd reached certain milestones. At one point I thought I'd got to the halfway point, but I hadn't - so these endurances can play tricks on your mind.

"It's important to eat the right nutrition for energy.

"The coastline along the south west is stunning which also helped. My favourite parts were to run along The Lizard in Cornwall and the steps at Lulworth's Durdle Door."

Ms Blackie, who has run 100 marathons, said going forward she plans to rest up and is not thinking about taking on another feat for a while.

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