A GRANDMOTHER is celebrating after winning the gruelling Great Wall of China Marathon for her age group.

The challenge marks the sixth successful marathon for 71 year old grandmother Lavinia Seward who came first in her age group out of hundreds of runners from around the world.

The race was a massive milestone for Mrs Seward who competed after overcoming a two year battle against ME.

She was joined by her 42 year old daughter Michelle, of Soham, with the pair completing the task together in 6hr 50min 17sec.

“Every time I think of it I smile inside, it is such an unbelievable feeling,” said Mrs Seward, of Chatteris.

“Just last year I couldn’t have run a half marathon never mind the Great Wall because my legs felt so weak due to ME. “It is a great achievement.”

The pair were placed 207th and 208th in the Women’s Race.

The Great Wall of China marathon has been going since 1999 and attracts around 2,000 runners.

It is reputed to be the third most difficult in the world involving a section of the wall with 5164 steps which runners complete twice.

“Parts of it were horrendous. Some of the steps we were virtually crawling up them, but to finish it successfully makes it worthwhile,” she said.

Mrs Seward, who works part time as a school taxi driver and at Littleport Co-op, raised money for Women’s Aid, a charity that helps women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

She has competed in previous marathons in London, New York, Berlin, Florence and Amsterdam.