WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance volunteer Nicki Head, from Marlborough, has completed her first half marathon just eight months after taking up running.

She now has her sights set on running the Bath Half Marathon in 2020.

Nicki took up running on 1 January this year as a New Year’s resolution and her training paid off when she completed the Salisbury Half Marathon on 29 September.

As well as crossing the finishing line in Salisbury ahead of her target time, she also raised £360 for WAA.

She said: “Running the Salisbury Half Marathon was a great experience. The atmosphere was really good both among the runners and the support from people who stood at the side of the roads and cheered us on.

“My sister, who runs half marathons, suggested the Salisbury Half because it is a flat course. I’d set myself a target of running it in 2:30 but I got round faster and finished in 2:24, which I was thrilled about.

“I did hit a proverbial wall at eight miles but I told myself I had done the hard part and I was over half way through and I had to keep going. I was shattered at the end but delighted to have completed it.”

Nicki, who works as a court officer, raised £360 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Following her debut half marathon Nicki, who works as a court officer and grew up in Larkhill and Enford, is looking forward to running the Bath Half Marathon on 15 March 2020, which co-incidentally is on the same day as Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s 30th birthday.

She said: “I love running. I started running to get fit. I’m looking forward to the Bath Half especially as it falls on Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s 30th birthday and I am planning to run a few 10km events before then.”

Nicki, who is married with an eight-year-old son, has been a volunteer for Wiltshire Air Ambulance for over three years and represents the charity at bucket collections, including at Swindon Town Football Club, and cheque presentations. Nicki’s mother, Pam Germany, who lives near Enford, also volunteers with the charity.

Nicki said: “Wiltshire Air Ambulance provides a vital service and you never know when you might need it. Being a volunteer enables me to give something back to this great charity. The stories you hear from people who have been airlifted are so inspiring.”

If you want to run the Bath Half Marathon visit: https://www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk/events/waa-events/2020-bath-half-marathon/ or call the charity team on: 01225 300536.