A secretary at Essex-based solicitors firm Palmers has raised hundreds of pounds for a local hospice charity by completing a gruelling half marathon. Kim Portas, who works in the criminal and employment department at the firm’s Basildon office, took part in the Silverstone Half Marathon on 5 March, completing the 13.1-mile race in two hours and 26 minutes. She managed to raise more than £300 for Basildon-based St Luke’s Hospice, with sponsor money still coming in, although illness in the run-up to the half marathon meant that she almost did not run at all. Kim said: “I was unsure whether or not I was going to be able to compete until the week before the half marathon, as I had been quite ill. I decided that if I could complete a 10-mile training run then I would take part, and luckily I managed to do that. “I’m delighted that I was able to run in the end and even more delighted that I was able to raise money for such a worthy cause. I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me for their generosity.” Palmers partner Jeremy Sirrell, who heads Kim’s department, said: “We are extremely proud of Kim for her achievement, particularly as there was some uncertainty over whether she would be able to run until just a week before the event. “I know the money raised will make a real difference to the excellent work done by the hospice.” Last year, Kim took part in the London Marathon, raising more than £1,810 for the same charity after completing the 26.2-mile event in five hours and 40 minutes…