Shropshire marathon runner Amy Hughes shortlisted for Pride of Britain Awards

She has been named one of the finalists in the Midlands round of the ITV Local Fundraiser of The Year category, which recognises "a tireless charity fundraiser".

Amy, originally from Oswestry, said: "I can't believe it. I think it was the first time I was actually speechless.

"I owe a massive thanks to anyone who nominated me"

As part of the nomination Amy was interviewed for a segment on ITV Midlands, which will be shown during the evening news on September 7.

The Midlands winner, who will go to the Pride of Britain finals will be announced on September 11, and the awards ceremony will take place later in the year.

Amy carried out her massive fundraising effort last year when she ran 53 marathons in as many days to try to raise £53,000 for the Isabelle Lottie Foundation, which supports the families of children with brain tumours.

She said: "My aim of 53 was to inspire others and get people out there and that's what people are doing. It was the hardest thing I have ever done but the best. It was a challenge I worked so hard to make work and felt so passionately about I think that's what made it so special."

This summer Amy held a "53 summer series" with runs each weekend in different cities around the Midlands with an open invitation for people to join her on the runs.

"There will be more coming up over the next few months," she said. "They have all been absolute blasts and I couldn't have asked for better groups to run with."

She has also been involved in more fundraising for the Isabelle Lottie Foundation, running from Oswestry to London to compete in the London Marathon, and writing the forward for a book, The Curious Rainbow, which follows a child on a baffling and beautiful adventure to discover the colours in the rainbow. All profits from the sale of the book are being donated to the charity.