A local mother of five and retired primary school teacher ran in the Plymouth Ocean Half Marathon last Sunday to raise money for three local charities.

Sue Morgan, a retired primary school teacher from the Thurlestone, West Alvington and West Charleton federation of schools ran in the Plymouth Ocean Half Marathon on Sunday, May 20, and is still accepting donations.

Sue completed the 13-mile feat in two hours and 39 minutes and has raised about £800 with more coming in.

Sue said: “My friend, Vicky Carpenter helped support me as she is a regular runner and knew all the procedures for starting, etc. It was easier than training because you are encouraged by running with everyone else, where training you’re on your own and can be a bit tedious and off-putting, but seeing other people running, you feel like, ‘If they can do it, I can do it.’

“I was truly encouraged and humbled by the other runners. It was amazing to see everyone running for charities, too.”

Sue hopes to raise £1,500 in total; £500 for each charity.

The charity trio she is supporting are the Hope Lifeboat, the Fisherman’s Reading Room and the newly formed Friends of Hope Harbour Breakwater.

The Hope Lifeboat is an independent lifeboat service that operates around Hope Cove and Bigbury.

The Fisherman’s Reading Room, in Inner Hope, is a community space that is available for meetings, coffee mornings and community events and activities. As it is in high demand, it is constantly upgrading its valuable community space, and is now in need of a new roof. Sue makes baskets and willow crabpots with the local history group exhibition on Hope Cove Weekend and other artist exhibits regularly.

The newly formed Friends of Hope Harbour Breakwater is still awaiting registration, however is just as important as it enlists support to maintain the harbour wall which takes a relentless battering in the winter months. Because of this, it necessitates expensive repairs and maintenance. Sue is hoping to kickstart the moneys raised to ensure that this is done.

Sue explains: “It provides a harbour for leisure craft, a way to shelter the beach and cove, retains the sand and indeed is part of the whole beauty of Hope Cove that so many visitors love and return to year after year. So, it is essential for the preservation of the tourist industry.”

She feels that these charities have contributed greatly for the community spirit of locals and visitors alike, giving a new focus and sense of purpose in addition to the primary aims of the charities.

To support Sue and her three chosen charities, visit www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com and in the search bar, type Susan Morgan Plymouth Ocean Marathon. You can also fill out various direct sponsorship forms in person, posted in the hotels and post office in Hope Cove.