SCHOOLGIRL runner Darcey Curran is attempting another huge fund-raising challenge this Christmas.

Darcey, aged 12, who is a pupil of Minehead Middle School, will be taking part in the 14-mile Community Canal Run organised by Channel Events.

Last year, Darcey with her mother Jack ran half the distance, and her father Mark ran the full 14 miles of the event.

This time, she is going the full distance and hopes to raise £500 for the Exmoor Search and Rescue Team (ESR) charity.

Darcey holds the record as the youngest person to complete the 30-mile Exmoor Perambulation walk when she was just nine years old.

Darcey Curran with dad Mark and mum Jack after the Channel UK Events community canal run.
Darcey Curran after last year’s canal run with her father Mark and mother Jack. ( )

Mr Curran said: “Darcey would again like to support the amazing Exmoor Search and Rescue Team.

“ESR are all volunteers and totally funded by donation.

“The team turns out in all weathers to assist the emergency services, with specialist difficult terrain skills.

“Thirty-two volunteers attended the very sad coach crash at Wheddon Cross, where their assistance was invaluable.”

Darcey and her father have a JustGiving page for donations and have already raised more than £50 including Gift Aid toward her target.

Mr Curran said: “Please make a donation to keep the Exmoor Search and Rescue Team going.

“Every penny counts.

“When donating, please ensure you tick the Gift Aid box, so the tax can be claimed back and add to the money.

“You can also adjust the amount JustGiving takes.

“Thanks to Channel Events for hosting the event.”

The run, on Sunday, December 28, starts from the Bridgwater YMCA building and ends at the COACH building in French Weir, in Taunton.

Runners will follow the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal tow path and then the path along the River Tone.

ESR volunteers are skilled and equipped for search, including dogs and drones, pre-hospital medical care, technical rope and water rescue, and available every day and night.