Family and friends of Urchfont teenager India Hedley, who died in August, aged 13, took part in a charity run in her name to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal.

India’s parents, Alasdair and Julie, organised the run with close friend Clare Ward in gratitude for the support they had received from air ambulance paramedics.

Paramedic Matt Baskerville, who attended India, took part in the run.

Mrs Ward, who has been a close friend of Mrs Hedley since their childhood in Lacock, offered to run three half marathons to raise money for the appeal in India’s name.

She completed the Chippenham half marathon in one hour 47 minutes and the Devizes one a minute quicker, but she had no idea of her time in the third self-made half marathon from her home village of Urchfont to the air support headquarters in Devizes.

She said: “It was so muddy on the canal towpath that just keeping upright was a challenge.

“But, despite the weather, it was a great occasion and we have raised so much money in India’s memory.”

Mrs Ward set off from the top green in Urchfont, accompanied by friends Zoe Rucker and Rohaise des Veaux, as well as Gill Johnson, a teacher from Stonar School in Atworth, which India attended.

Mr and Mrs Hedley and their other children, Poppy, 11, and seven-year-old Alexander, joined the runners at All Cannings on the route to the air support unit at police headquarters in London Road, along with other friends, neighbours and India’s closest friends and their families.

Mr Hedley, who is in charge of the international section at estate agents Hamptons, said: “We are so grateful for all the support we have received.

“India would be delighted.”

Mrs Ward has already received almost £9,000 in pledges on the website www.justgiving.com/c-ward and it is still open for donations.

Mr Hedley has set up his own sponsorship fund at work and his total now stands at £3,700.