A TAUNTON family of six jointly ran a marathon in their garden in aid of a charity whose funding has dried up during the coronavirus crisis.

PE teachers Rob and Jennie and their children, Finley, 14, Sully, 12, Jude, six, and Loxley, two, completed 703 laps of their garden in Middleway on Saturday - adding up to 26.2 miles.

Their efforts over four hours and 35 minutes have so far raised £1,120.70 for Creech St Michael-based Escape support group for children with disabilities and their families.

"It was hard going, but I was proud of everyone's efforts," said Rob, 39, a former rugby player for Taunton and Wellington, who works at Fairlands Middle School, in Cheddar.

"We treated the children to a takeaway pizza afterwards and we all slept well on Saturday night."

Rob and Jennie, who teaches at Wellington School, hit on the idea after hearing how many charities are unable to raise funds during the lockdown period.

"We want to help Escape because it's a local charity which helps children," said Rob.

"It offers activities for children and respite for the parents. The next few months could be a real struggle for them.

"We live streamed our marathon and Facebook and were delighted to raise almost £1,000.

"Jennie and I came up with the idea because the challenges which we face at home with four children are nothing compared to what some families have to face."