THE project director of a centre for the homeless in Winchester has tackled a fund-raising marathon.

Avril Robinson completed the course in Paris on Sunday, April 5, in four hours and 10 minutes.

The French capital is the ancestral home of the Emmaus movement, which teaches skills to the homeless to help them back onto their feet.

The concept has spread across the channel, and 19 of the 400 centres are now in Britain. The most recent to open was the Emmaus Hampshire centre in Bar End, Winchester, last month (March).

It cost £3m to build, and £200,000 is still required to cover the final fees.

Ms Robinson was project director during the construction phase. Now that it is operational, she will be leaving her post later this month (April).

Before departing, she wanted to raise some extra money for the charity, and tackled the Paris marathon.

She had an unusual training partner while preparing for the race in the shape of her dog, Spike.

She said: “Emmaus Hampshire is a big part of my life, but my role within the project will be coming to an end in April. For that reason, I decided to run the marathon in the city where the Emmaus movement began.”

Her efforts have already raised £5,000, and she hopes to reach £10,000 once all donations are collected.

For more details about the centre in Bar End, which sells second hand furniture, call 01962 868300.