A COMMUNITY worker has raised hundreds of pounds for a Penarth charity through her first ever half marathon.

Roxy Pollard, 49, who lives in Cornwall, took up running in 2020 and recently embarked on her first half marathon – raising £500 for MHA Penarth Communities, a Methodist Homes Association charity that offers events and outings for older people in the area.

She took up running in 2020 and ran 1,000 miles to raise £1,000 for charity. After smashing this target, she wanted to raise more.

Ms Pollard trained hard for weeks and finally plucked up the courage to run in the Newport Half Marathon on March 6.

“I ran for four to six hours every week to prepare myself,” she said.

“It was tough going and I wasn't aiming to be among the leaders.

“I finished in just under three hours, which was the target I set myself."

MDA Penarth Communities is one of dozens of branches in the UK, with each bringing people aged over 55 together for activities.

Penarth MHA Communities group, based in Trinity Methodist Church community hall, raises funds to offers regular activities for its members living in Penarth, Llandough and Sully.

Penarth manager, Linda Brownhill, said: “Roxy and I met at national MHA conferences, when she was the local manager for the Cornwall group. We became firm friends and I’m thrilled that she came here to raise money for us.

“We got up early to cheer her on in the half marathon and we were there when she finished. She is amazing.”

The Penarth group is always keen to welcome new members.

They currently meet every Friday for coffee, lunch club and afternoon activities. Plus on Wednesdays they head out on minibuses, visiting venues all over the Vale of Glamorgan.

Anyone interested in joining the group - as a member, or as a volunteer - can call Lina Brownhill on 02920712516.

The group meets in Trinity Church, Woodland Place, Penarth CF64 2EX.