ABERDYFI’S Search and Rescue Team’s newest recruit is planning to run a gruelling 108-mile foot race through storm-force winds, snow, ice, bogs, fog, hail and mud.

Katie Cole, 30, will be attempting to run the mammoth trek in less than 60 hours across the Pennine Way in the middle of January to raise funds for her mountain rescue team.

Remarkably, just three years ago Katie was told she would never run again and has spent many months painstakingly rebuilding her strength before volunteering her time for the benefit of others.

“As someone who deeply loves spending time in the hills and mountains, I decided that offering my time to the incredible organisation that is Mountain Rescue England and Wales would be both a rewarding and highly valuable thing to do,” she said.

“In April I joined the incredible group of people that make up Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team.

“I’m hugely passionate about the work of the team, which is why I’m going to attempt the Spine Challenger to raise vital funds.

“This is a huge personal challenge for me, for so many reasons but worth it for such a great cause!”

Katie’s challenge will see her carry all of her own equipment to battle the element for two and a half days in her biggest ever physical undertaking.

“The longest formal ultra I have ever run was 47 miles over the Brecon Beacons in November 2013,” continued the intrepid massage therapist, who lives in Dolgellau.

For more information, or to sponsor Katie, please visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/katiemrtspinechallenge