An 18 year old student from a Hampshire school is aiming to become the youngest woman ever to run the length of Britain, starting just days after finishing her A-levels.

The current record is believed to be held by Bradford athlete Ellie Horrocks, who was 20 at the time but Phoebe Harris, 18, a sixth-form student at Lord Wandsworth College in Long Sutton, will set off from John O'Groats on Saturday, June 20 with her father Chris Harris. She aims to become the new record holder covering more than 1,000 miles to Land's End over 68 days.

The end of exams represents the start of a summer of celebration before they receive their results however, the pair plan to average around 17 miles a day, hoping to cross the finish line before the end of August. This means Phoebe will be receiving her A-level results in Biology, Chemistry and English while still on the road. She hopes she can get the results she needs to begin a medicine degree in September.

Phoebe was inspired by ultra-runner Imogen Boddy, who became the youngest known female to run the length of Britain in 2022, after her Headmaster Adam Williams shared her story.

"I used to hate everything to do with sport," Phoebe said. "But a few years ago, my dad and I were looking for ways to spend more time together and started training for a fundraising run at school. We trained with the aim of running 5k and on the day, I ran 30."

The pair recently completed the London Marathon together. Phoebe, who was diagnosed with autism in 2024, said running has had a profound effect on her wellbeing.

"Being autistic means that my brain feels like a very busy place," she said. "When I run, it all slows down."

The challenge is raising funds for the Lord Wandsworth Foundation, which supports children who have lost one or both parents, and the National Autistic Society a matter close to Phoebe’s heart.

Headmaster of Lord Wandsworth College Adam Williams said Phoebe "embodies everything that we encourage our students to strive for."