A CHANCE remark over Christmas dinner turned into a daunting challenge for Oldswinford dance teacher Amy Williams.

The 26-year-old has vowed to run a minimum of 20 minutes every day throughout 2014 - and nine months down the line, she's still going strong.

Amy also intends to use the challenge to raise funds for Mary Stevens Hospice and to date has reached £1,424.

Amy revealed: "My dad Ian was talking about people who run everyday and whether it was good for them. In the end I took up the challenge. I think I was dared to do it.

"One of my best friends recently lost her father. He spent the last nine weeks of his life at the hospice and I wanted to give something back.

"I've tried to keep the running to 20 minutes a day because I didn't want to risk getting injured. But I've run well over 600 miles so far and I'm determined to complete the challenge now.

"I even kept it up when I went to New York for five days.

"It's made me feel incredibly tired but it hasn't affected my work at Stratford upon Avon College.

"There have been a number of days when I've got up and not wanted to run.

"But I live opposite the hospice and every time I look out of the window, it reminds me of why I'm doing it."

Anyone wishing to support Amy in her challenge can check out www.justgiving.com/Amy-Williams22