A MOTHER and son have smashed their targets as they took on a gruelling sports challenge for The Fed.

Natasha Sarak was not alone when she tackled the recent 10km Race For Life, partnering with eight-year-old son Ben, as part of her continuing efforts to fundraise to support The Fed and Heathlands Village's work.

The run was the second demanding event Ms Sarak had taken on this year, after completing a sponsored charity 5km open-water swim in Salford Quays in May.

Ms Sarak said: "The challenges were tough for both me and Ben – the hardest we’ve done so far – but they were so worth it for The Fed.

"The swim was definitely tougher than the run. Despite the hot weather, I actually enjoyed it – although we could have done with a bit of rain.

"And it was great to do the race with Ben. I was just trying to keep up with him on the way round. I’m so proud of him.”

Ben added: “I had a lot of fun running the race. The second half was easier than the first half, even though I had a bit of a stitch. I did the race in 100 minutes which I think is good.”

Ms Sarak has a longstanding connection to the Prestwich charity, fuelling her fundraising determination, as her grandmother Rita was cared for at the Heathlands Village.

Earlier this year her grandfather Gerry, who has vascular dementia, also became a resident of the home ­— which Ms Sarak says has had a big impact on her.

She said: “I wanted to raise money for Heathlands Village because of all the fantastic work they do. Plain and simple, the staff at Heathlands are incredible.

"We often go with grandpa to the lovely cafe for lunch or tea, and the atmosphere is wonderful."

Between them the pair have managed to raise over £1,500 for The Fed, and donations are still coming in.

To donate to Natasha and Ben Sarak's fundraising visit www.thefed.org.uk/natasha-sarak/ or call 0161 7724800.