A WIRRAL children’s charity raised more than £18,000 after kindhearted people put their best foot forward in its name.

More than 300 eager participants took part in Claire House Children’s Hospice’s Excalibur fell running event on Saturday.

They trekked through the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley area of outstanding natural beauty as part of the UK’s toughest off-road marathon.

Participants took on either a full marathon of half marathon, choosing to walk or run up to 26.2 miles through the Clwydian Range, starting at Loggerheads Country Park.

The winner was Charlie Sharp, who completed the full marathon miles in 4 hours and 3 minutes, while Sallie Holt from Wallasey was the first woman to cross the finish line in 4 hours and 53 minutes.

Everyone taking part did so to raise money for Claire House, which provides support to children and young people with life limiting medical conditions and their families.

Pensby Runners, the largest group to enter the event, enjoyed a pint of specially brewed Excalibur Beer at the end of the race, as prize for having a biggest team.

More than 65 volunteers attended the event, helping out with registration, marshalling and cheering on the participants.

Event sponsors Regatta Great Outdoors were also there on the day to cheer on the runners and walkers in rather wet and windy conditions.

Kirsty Simpson, events and sponsorship manager for Claire House, said: “Our Excalibur participants have well and truly conquered one of the UK’s toughest marathons and have done a brilliant job for Claire House - we are so proud.

“We also really grateful to our amazing team of volunteers who helped the event run so smoothly.

“The weather wasn’t always on our side, but they kept everyone’s spirits up.

“I hope, despite the rain, everyone had a brilliant day and the thoughts of the families that will benefit will help ease those sore legs.”