Student runs relay across the UK for Down's syndrome charities

A woman has raised more than £30,000 for charity after finishing a relay race from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Iris Hammond, 20, from Taunton, organised the event, named RunAcrossUK, inspired by her sister, Nancy, who has Down's syndrome.

Along with her team, she started the event on 21 March, International Down's Syndrome Day, finishing on 3 April.

She said: "When I arrived at John O'Groats I just burst into tears, everything hit me. It was incredible."

Up to 100 people took part in the relay which covered 603 miles over 14 days.

The money raised will go to the Down's Syndrome Association and Down's Syndrome Scotland, which have both been "incredible and supportive", Ms Hammond said.

Speaking to BBC Somerset last week, Ms Hammond said she was proud to finish the relay, especially since on the final day, she ran more than a half marathon with an injured foot.

"Everything's flat until the last three miles where it's just this giant hill and the wind was in my face and I was like 'oh my goodness this is the hardest thing I think I've ever had to do'," she said.

"Then down the other side of the hill you could see John O'Groats and you could see the finish line and it was the most incredible feeling."

When she arrived at the finish line, Ms Hammond was met with bagpipes, her family and supporters.

"Everybody was there cheering - there was probably about 30 people - and I just burst into tears," she said.

"This is the biggest achievement of my life."

Ms Hammond said she and her sister could not quite comprehend the amount of money raised.

"She (Nancy) likes to see every morning what point we are at, she likes to know how much money we've raised overnight and during the day," Ms Hammond said.

"She keeps saying 'what's the total Iza, what's the total Iza?', so she's very excited by the whole concept."

Ms Hammond said the money will help with research, help to spread awareness and hopefully "change the narrative around Down's syndrome".

She added that the RunAcrossUK event may be turned into an annual fixture in the future.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and, X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.