AN extreme runner exceeded her own expectations when she excelled in the toughest race on the planet.

Davenham mum Hayley White took on the famed Marathon des Sables, a 155-mile six-day run across the Sahara desert, and finished 11th out of 78 women representing Great Britain.

"It went like an absolute dream," she said.

"I was always going to play it safe because I wanted to make sure I got the medal and I finished.

"I wasn't going to go all out and blow up.

"However, I didn't realise how well I had done and ended up being the 11th GB female finisher."

"It hasn't quite sunk in yet to be honest."

Hayley, who lives in Davenham with husband Andie and six-year-old son Freddie, finished 48th woman overall, out of more than 280 women, and came 481st out of the 1,300 total competitors.

She also escaped without any serious injuries.

"I didn't have any technical gear break downs and only got one little blister – I feel a bit of a fraud coming away with absolutely no problems," she joked.

"They do say that you get the post-Marathon des Sables blues though and they have really kicked in.

"I've been for runs since I got back but it's not the same now I haven't got that goal and not the same having done something like that."

Hayley also paid tribute to her family for their support.

"Andy and Freddie have been fantastic," she said.

"I've tried not to let it impede too much on them but at the end of the day they still had to rally around me."

Hayley runs her own personal training business.

She grew up in Winsford and was a pupil at Woodford Lodge High School.

Her Marathon des Sables experience has so far raised £7,000 for The Christie and her online sponsorship page is open until June 8.

To sponsor her visit justgiving.com/hayley-white40