The Hartlepool friends running 300km this month for charity - equivalent to three London Marathons and a Great North Run each

Whatever the weather, Danielle Smith and Chloe McKie can be seen racking up the miles by running around town while also raising much needed funds for Alice House Hospice.

By the end of June, they will have run an impressive 300km between them, or the equivalent of three and a half London marathons each.

Danielle, 26, of Bishop Cuthbert, said: “I have never really run before doing this.

“I would never be able to go for 10 minutes without stopping. At the start I thought ‘what have I let myself in for?’

“But now I’ve got myself into a routine I’m really enjoying out.”

Danielle and Chloe also have strong reasons for supporting the hospice as an added incentive.

Alice house cared for women who were very special to them; Danielle's auntie Julie Crooks, and Chloe’s auntie Joan.

Danielle, who is a lecturer at Hartlepool Sixth Form College and plays for Oaksway netball team, said: “Alice House looked after her so well.

“She did so much for charity so I want to give back as it's 10 years since her death.”

Chloe, who lives in the town centre area and is a school inclusion coordinator added: “After my Aunty Joan's short battle Alice House Hospice made her feel as comfortable as possible, I cannot thank them enough!”

Danielle and Chloe, who have been friends for years, set themselves a target to raise £300 in a nod to their 300k running goal.

But with two weeks still to go, they have already passed that on their JustGiving page with the promise of more to come.

Greg Hildreth, Alice House deputy fundraising manager, said: “Support like this is so valuable to the Hospice, especially during a time when most of our regular fundraising activities are either on hold or quite restricted.

“On behalf of everyone at Alice House, I would like to thank them both along with all of their generous sponsors.”

To give visit Dan & Chloe's 5k a day in June at JustGiving.com

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