A CHORLEY couple went the extra mile -- well, 26 actually -- for charity.

Lynda and Mike Brazier, of Oxford Street, Chorley, have just returned from New York after running the gruelling marathon there.

A delighted Lynda shaved 45 minutes off her personal best as the '50 plus' couple ran the course side by side.

Mike and Lynda were part of a 20-strong group raising funds for Chorley charity The Harvesters Trust -- who are helping to build an orphanage in Zambia.

Lynda said: "It was wonderful! Everyone completed the marathon, which goes through all five boroughs of New York. We are trying to raise £15,000 to build and equip an orphanage in Zambia. The foundations have already been laid."

The orphanage -- which could be the first of many -- will house children whose parents have died of AIDS.

The final amount raised by the runners should be known by the end of this year -- and they are already planning next year's New York Marathon. They are appealing for Chorley folk to join them. "You don't have to be really fit to go in for it, just dedicated," said Lynda.

Earlier this year trust member Steve Clarke raised £2,000 after completing a cyclathon, and to raise even more money Diana Wood has just completed a sponsored swimathon in Chorley!

If you would like to run next year's New York Marathon for The Harvesters Trust, you can contact Lynda and Mike at brazierco@aol.com

Alternatively you can call them on 01257 277514. MARATHON couple: Lynda and Mike Brazier proudly wear their medals.