A WOMAN has laced up for an epic 40-mile charity run last weekend, following a year of injury.

Lesley Reynolds, a staff member at Scottish Autism based in Fife, ran all the way to the Wee County from her home in a bid to net vital funds for the good cause.

She started her run bright and early on Saturday, April 10, setting off from her home in Crossford, Fife, at 4am.

A specially-devised route took her past the Scottish Autism area office in Dunfermline and the homes of some of the individuals with an autism spectrum disorder whom she supports on a regular basis.

A keen runner, Lesley finished the 40-mile journey at the Scottish Autism head office at Alloa Business Park, arriving at around 12.30pm.

She has been taking on hill races and more with Carnegie Harriers for years, however, the coronavirus pandemic and an injury put an end to competitions in 2020.

Lesley, who is also raising a son with an autism spectrum disorder, said: "I am delighted to be running after a year of injury in 2020.

"With races unlikely to be resuming quickly, I wanted to set a personal challenge to celebrate my return to running fitness whilst fundraising for a charity that is both close to home and heart."

She raised more than £1,200 by the time of writing and was supported by husband Colin who provided nutrition as required in the later stages.

The money will help to fund vital Scottish Autism services such as the advice line, which has seen the volume of inquiries treble since the Covid-19 pandemic began more than a year ago.

Karen Wilson, income generation lead at Scottish Autism, said: "We can't thank Lesley enough for taking on this amazing challenge for Scottish Autism.

"This was a fantastic way to involve the autistic individuals she supports and demonstrates her commitment to our mission of enabling autistic individuals to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives."

Lesley's fundraising page is still open at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lesley-reynolds6