A LEIGH teacher blasted off the opposition in the Windy City to raise funds for the victims of war and poverty in Kosovo and Romania.

Sue Rivers, of Knowsley Drive, gave up her half term break to cross the Atlantic for Chicago and to take her place among 29,074 runners in the strongest field in marathon history.

Sue, 29, running for Child Action International, the Lowton based charity which funds ongoing projects in Eastern Europe, completed the course in 4hrs 09mins.

The Rainhill science teacher was accompanied by her sister Helen, who finished in 4min 31, Jim Williams of Luton (4.07) and printer Len King (4.57).

And so far the quartet have boosted the charity's coffers by £3,400.

Sue said: 'My first marathon was a gruelling but rewarding experience and I am glad that I could help raise the money for such a worthy cause.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me and Child Action International."

The charity is an arm of the Epiphany Trust whch helps with the rehabilitation of children affected by war and social circumstances.

The majority of the work takes place in Romania where a centre of excellence has been created in Lugoj.

Here the English Pavilion houses 30 orphaned children and provides excellent catering facilities. Other work includes funding for schools in Sinai and Arad and work in a home for the street children in Timisoara.

Child Action International also has a child sponsorship programme for children parted from their family and home by the Burmese military regime.

The charity has recently become involved with children traumatised and orphaned by the Balkan War in and around Kosovo. Part of this work produced a recently published "Early Shadows -- Children's Images of Kosovo", a book of paintings which shows the effects of war on young Kosovan minds.

Anyone who would like to donate to the group's work in Kosovo, Romania, Burma, Pakistan or the UK should contact the main office at 13, Winwick Lane, Lowton, Warrington, WA3 1LR or ring 671581.