A WOMAN from Moreton who is taking on 25 challenges within the space of a year has now reached the halfway mark.

Kirstie Smith, 25, who grew up in Northleach but now lives in Moreton in Marsh, decided to take on the task of completing 25 challenges within a year to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK in memory of her dad Malcolm Smith.

Mr Smith, who was born and bred in Northleach, died on May 22 2016 aged 50 after losing his battle with Bowel Cancer.

May marks the halfway mark for Miss Smith.

She said: "I am currently halfway through my year of challenges and I certainly have a lot of hard work ahead of me.

"May also marks the 2-year anniversary since my Dad died so it is also quite a tough month.

"As of May 20 I have completed 10 challenges, leaving me with 15 to complete by November 10.

"Last week I took on my highropes and zipline challenges, which were tough because it made me face my fear of heights.

"At one point I didn't think I was going to be able to complete them, but thanks to the support of my family and friends I managed to get there in the end.

"Last week I also took on the Northleach 10k Run. The event was amazing and the organisers and marshalls put on a great event. This was the furthest I had run so I found it quite tough and the heat made it harder. I was getting there slowly but surely until at the 6k mark where I sprained my ankle.

"Despite this I was determined to finish the race. There was no way I was not finishing this challenge even if I had to hobble it to the end.

"Needless to say I was the last runner over the line but I got there in 1h30m, which wasn't too bad all things considered.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to the marshalls who stayed with me, to Aiden Bassett who came and found me at the last 1k and helped me over the finish line, to all the lovely people who cheered me as I finally reached the end and to Cotswold First Aid, who saw to my ankle. It was quite strange as I met the Cotswold First Aid team during my CPR challenge so it was great to see them again."

So far Miss Smith has raised £1,971.60 of her £2,500 target.

"So far it has been an amazing six months and the level of support I have received has been wonderful. I cannot thank people enough for their support and kind donations."

Miss Smith's remaining challenges include a Wolf Run, the Cardiff Half Marathon, a 25-mile cycle and a skydive.

To donate to Miss Smith's fundraising page go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kirstie-smith25