A WEYMOUTH family completed an indoor relay marathon in support of mental health charity Dorset Mind.

The Rowe family, consisting of parents Liz and John and their children, Callum, 14, Seth, 10, and Elle, eight, covered the 26 mile distance on a treadmill from the safety of their own home.

The family set a target of £500 and were able to raise that amount for Dorset Mind, a charity of which Mrs Rowe is a trustee.

This activity was part of the 2.6 challenge, a national campaign with a goal to raise funds usually raised by the London Marathon, which was cancelled this year.

Mrs Rowe said: “We were trying to think of an idea to support Dorset Mind, I enjoy running and the kids liked the idea because of the cancellation of the marathon.

“The kids did four miles between them, Jon did six and I did the rest in three lots, two lots of five and a seven because apparently I can't count. It took me until the evening to realise I did a mile too many, we actually ran 27 miles between us.

“I promised that if we hit £500 within a week I would do the real marathon next year. I woke up to a message on my phone which said 'I look forward to seeing you in training' and I thought 'oh no'.”

During these turbulent times Dorset Mind have made a conscious effort to move as many of their services as possible online. All existing services have been replaced by telephone and video interaction and face-to-face support groups are now available online.

Mrs Rowe continued: “As a business consultant I work with a lot of charities and we know what finances are looking like at the moment because of the cancelling of events. This was our way of making people aware of the support that can be provided if they do need it, as well as raising money for an important local charity.

“I'll be taking part in next year’s marathon for Dorset Mind. Everyone's been really supportive and I’ve even had offers to help train me. I actually felt alright they day after the run, so hopefully I'll be ok after a year of training.”

To donate to the Rowe family’s cause, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/LizRowe and for more information about Dorset Mind visit their website, www.dorsetmind.uk.