A FUND-RAISING fell runner from Ilkley got more than she bargained for when she popped in to one of her favourite Indian restaurants.

Jo Prowse, currently undertaking a 500-mile trek on the Continent in a bid to raise £50,000 for St James's Hospital, has received a £500 donation from the Shabab restaurant in Leeds.

Mrs Prowse, of St James Road, has been dining at Shabab since 1976 and enlisted the business's support before setting off on August 18 for a run which follows the Pilgrim Route of St James.

Stretching from the Pyrenees in France to Santiago in Spain, the route is a demanding one followed by hundreds of pilgrims each year.

Mrs Prowse is being accompanied by her 20-year-old son, Mike, who is tracking her in a car and providing food, water and setting up camp at night.

Managing director of Shabab, Arshad Javed, said: "Jo has been coming to our restaurant on and off for 27 years. It was only fair that we supported her fund-raising for what is this very important cause.

"So far we have raised £500. By the time she finishes, we are confident we can double this.

"We have cooked Jo a special nourishing dish - Haleem, a nourishing broth, to keep up her energy on her travels. I'm sure she will be popping in to recharge after she completes the journey!"

Mrs Prowse, who turns 50 this year, is due to complete her adventure, which will benefit St James's children's unit on September 22.

Donations to support the appeal can be sent to David Marlow, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX, or be made by calling 0113 392 6803. Cheques should be made payable to: The Charitable Trustees - St James Account.