THEY made it! Firstly, massive congratulations to Elouise Hill and Tommy D'Ortez on surviving one of the hardest ultra marathons in the UK, as Votwo's Pembrokeshire Coastal Challenge is a marathon a day for three days over Pembrokeshire's coastal path.

The conditions were described by organisers as the hardest in the history of the race, as the pair faced burst river banks, knee-deep mud and freezing thunderstorms. With over 22 hours running over the three-day event, they can rest happily in the knowledge that they gave everything that they could.

Amazingly, between them, they had little or no experience running in long-distance events. Elouise had only competed in two road-based half marathons and Tommy's first was, in fact, the first day of this event.

Due to such heavy rainfall, alterations were made to the race course meaning that each day's distance was increased by up to two miles, pushing through the boundaries of the 'marathon' and into ultra runners' territory!

An RNLI running vest with a message on behalf of Paul 'Edi', signed by Elena his mother, kept the pair moving through their dark times of cold and fatigue.

Said Tommy: "When we were beaten down, on top of a freezing mountain ready to give in, one look at the vest, the responsibility we took to carry 'Edi' with us. Not even the thunder and lightning could stop us."

"On behalf of Elouise and myself, can we say an enormous 'thank-you' for the generous support from family and friends. The sponsor forms will be collected this week, please continue to help us raise money for our local heroes of Tenby's RNLI by giving at http://www.justgiving.com/RunForEddie&quot">www.justgiving.com/RunForEddie"