A former journalist pushed her body to the limits to complete her first half marathon in aid of charity.

Catherine Bolado, from digital media company Jurassic Creative, completed the Bournemouth Half Marathon last weekend.

Miss Bolado has so far raised £200 for charity Dorset People First’s Friendship Club but it hoping to raise a few more pennies to hit her target.

The Dorset-based club is led by, and for, adults with learning disabilities.

Looking back on the half marathon, Miss Bolado, from Weymouth, said: “It was a great atmosphere, there were so many people lining the route, handing out sweets, cheering, giving high-fives and waving banners. It was great fun – I didn’t expect to enjoy every mile, but I really did.

“I was so happy when I crossed the line – I never thought I could run that far, but then I was really determined to make it. And I felt pretty good afterwards, tired, but good.”

Miss Bolado said she would love to raise £260 - just £20 per mile, to support the club.

Talking about her support and the donations for the Dorset Friendship Club, she said: "Thank you so much, it’s such a great cause and I really appreciate everyone helping me and supporting me. I feel very lucky and grateful.”

During her career as a journalist Miss Bolado was introduced to People First Dorset and the Dorset Friendship Club and had the pleasure of working with them on a number of occasions.

This then progressed to the launch of what is believed to be the first newspaper column in the UK written by people with learning disabilities - the weekly Our View Column in the Dorset Echo.

Miss Bolado described the friendship club as a "wonderful and life-changing" cause.

The Local Giving page will be active for another couple of weeks if anyone would like to donate towards the fundraising target of £260 can visit localgiving.org/fundraising/runningfordfchalfmarathon/

Or, to learn more about Dorset Friendship Club visit: peoplefirstdorset.org.uk, or check out the Our View column in your Dorset Echo every Tuesday.