A mum who only rediscovered her passion for running a couple of years ago, has vowed to raise money for a hospice for as long as she is active.

Nina McNeill, from Borehamwood, had always been sporty but only took up running seriously once her young daughter had started school.

Staring with short runs and 5K challenges, within three years Nina has completed 35 half-marathons and six full marathons – including the recent Snowdonia event, in which she raised £1,233.28 for the Princess Alice Hospice, based in Surrey.

What’s more, she ran with torn knee ligaments and bruised ribs – having fallen badly during her favourite outdoor pursuit – obstacle racing.

Nina chose to support Princess Alice Hospice as a result of the care and support given to her beloved Auntie Marilyn, who died at the hospice in May this year, surrounded by her family.

Nina visited the hospice every day, juggling childcare, a fulltime job and part-time job in a pub, the Alfred Arms, in Shenley Road.

She was extremely impressed by the hospice and everyone she encountered during her aunt’s time here.

“The care my aunt received here was amazing, second to none” said Nina.

Nina recalled the weekend her aunt died as a time of joy as well as sadness; it was the Royal Wedding celebrations and she said the atmosphere at the hospice was brilliant.

She said: “We joined the celebrations, watched TV, had cake – it was lovely."

When she learned how heavily the hospice relies on donations and shops to fund its £9.9 million annual care bill, she promised to do as much as she could to help.

She said: “After 18 years of marriage and having four children, I started running and it rekindled my passion."

The Alfred Arms has also got behind Nina’s efforts and raised £600 towards her Snowdonia total by a fundraising night.

Nina’s sights are now set on the 2019 Brighton Marathon – with the London event being her ambition in 2020.