Basingstoke mum completes five marathons in five days

Many dread the thought of one marathon but Marie Ambler has managed to walk 26.2 miles five days in a row. 

The 49-year-old took on the challenge to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society because her sister, Tracy Simpson, has been suffering from the life-long condition for 10 years.

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Marie and her sister Tracy (Image: Newsquest)On her fundraising page, Marie writes: "Every day is a struggle for Tracy, she suffers from extreme fatigue, numbness and can not walk far anymore, plus so many other challenging symptoms that will only increase over time. She continues to be my wonderful brave and lovely friend and sister."

Childminder Marie completed the 131-mile challenge on Friday, May 24 in Beggarwood Park.

Dressed in orange, her close friends and family were there to cheer her on as she walked under a human archway, the final finish line. 

The human archway to end the huge challenge (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking to the Gazette, Marie said: "My feet are in absolute bits but it is such a relief. My sister suffers from MS and she inspires me every day so I decided I wanted to raise some money to help with the research into the illness."

Over the five days, Marie was joined by her sons, best friend and nieces who all walked parts of the challenge with her. 

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Her sister called her every day to keep her going - and distract her from the painful blisters. 

Marie said: "I would just listen to anything on Spotify, anything with a good beat. Nature would also keep me going - the ducks, Hackwood Park, the Spinny and even the deers, I loved it all."

Big cheers for the end of the challenge (Image: Newsquest)

Marie would set off from her home in Hatch Warren at 6am. Her seven-hour journey would take her across the borough - from Cliddesdon to Old Basing - as she got the miles in. 

So far Marie has raised more than £1,800 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, surpassing her original goal of £500. She said: "Lots of people have donated, every little helps and it's just amazing." 

Sister, Tracey, said: "She is just amazing, I am overwhelmed really. I am so proud of her."

Marie's husband said: "I'm really very proud, she's taken it all so seriously, and her feet have been in bits all this week.

"Without a doubt, once this is all over she will continue to do equally crazy things."

Over the years Marie has completed a firewall, five Moonlight walks, and has trekked from London to Brighton.

Shelley Robinson-Eales, who has been friends with Marie for 14 years, was emotional as she waited for her to finish. 

She said: "She is one of my closest friends and she has always done things like this, she is so inspirational. I think everything she does is for a good cause, and it's always for charities that are personal to her. 

"She had just smashed it hasn't she? I'm very proud."

Shelley's wife Rosie, who has known Marie for 10 years, added: "I find her so inspirational, she inspires me to do more and we're all just so proud."

Marie's fundraising page can be found here justgiving.com/page/marie-ambler-1704313088934.