A LAST-minute fund-raising push is being made by 12-year-old West Somerset distance runner Darcey Curran to support Exmoor Search and Rescue (ESR).

Darcey will be running the 14-mile Community Canal Run organised by Minehead’s Channel Events on Sunday (December 28) with her father Mark and mother Jack.

Last year, she completed half the distance along the canal towpath between between Bridgwater YMCA and The Coach Centre, in Taunton, in an hour-and-half.

This time, she is aiming for the full 14 miles, slightly more than a half-marathon, which will be her longest run so far, and to date has raised nearly £400 through a JustGiving page set up by Mr Curran toward her target of £500.

Darcey, a Minehead Middle School pupil, holds the record as the youngest person to complete the 30-mile Exmoor Perambulation walk when she was just nine years old.

Mr Curran said: “Exmoor Search and Rescue team are all volunteers and totally funded by donation.

“The team are out in all weather and in all sorts of hazardous locations and difficult circumstances, including 32 volunteers attending the Wheddon Cross coach crash.

“Please donate a few pounds, and you can alter the amount given to JustGiving right down to zero.”