Wiltshire councillor Laura Mayes visited Devizes Opportunity Centre to hand over cash she raised by taking on the challenge of running the Bath Half Marathon.

Coun Mayes finished the 13- mile course in two hours 14 minutes and raised £1,000 for our Give Us A Chance Appeal.

Coun Mayes, who is the cabinet portfolio holder for children’s services, was given a guided tour of the nursery by manager Betty Newman.

She was impressed with what she saw and said: “Special children need special teaching.”

Mrs Newman said: “I was very impressed with the interest she showed and the questions she asked.

“I thought her remark about special children was very apt and filled me with confidence that she understood the work we are doing here.

“I am very grateful to her for undertaking the run on our behalf and raising such a large amount of money.”

Coun Mayes was joined on the run by her husband James who finished in one hour 54 minutes.

She was pleased just to finish the course as she spent much of last year recovering from treatment for breast cancer.

She said: “It went very slowly and my time was considerably slower than my time two years ago but I was happy to get round.

“It’s a great event, extremely well run and the crowd really do keep you going.

“There are so many people running for so many different charities, it’s quite humbling and emotional. I’m going to do it again next year.”

Coun Mayes was over the moon to hear the Gazette’s Give Us A Chance appeal had passed its £10,000 target, to make up for the loss of a £10,000 Government grant.

She said: “I am delighted the community has responded so well and congratulations to all concerned for responding so quickly.

“"It was great to spend time at the Devizes Opportunity Centre. The children were a delight and the staff obviously dedicated.”

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Devizes Opportunity Centre indebted to community support for reaching 10k 

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Family return to say thanks to nursery