Elle Reid feels privileged her two pre-school aged daughters are growing up with the support of a strong, caring family around them – that's what got her through the Auckland Marathon this month.

The Papamoa woman completed the 42km on November 2 in support of children who don't have the same family support, donating a little more than $460 to Homes of Hope.

Papamoa woman Elle Reid with the toy donation she gave to Homes of Hope this month. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

The funds follow her generous toy donation to the children at the Gate Pa office earlier this month.

Elle, 37, says the run was a difficult and long course but she made it without stopping – completing her fourth marathon in a little more than four hours.

'I think having my family there to support me got me through the difficult parts and also knowing I was raising money for Homes of Hope pulled me through the mental wall.”

For her first marathon in 2009, Elle and her friend raised funds for the SPCA through sponsorship. The second time she ran, Elle supported the Special Care Baby Unit at Tauranga Hospital.

'Both my girls stayed in SCBU when they were born and found the all the nurses in the unit absolutely amazing. I often wonder how I would have coped without the extra help, information and early morning milos.”

This year, she chose to support Homes of Hope – a charitable trust providing foster care to neglected children.

'My children are in the very privileged position of having a strong, caring family around them at all times and even though we are from the UK, they're lucky enough to have both sets of grandparents in NZ as well.

'Especially as my parents live round the corner from us in Papamoa and play a very active role in their upbringing.

'It's because of this and my job as an adult and youth tutor, that I am fully aware of how unfortunate some children are and how having a secure, safe and loving environment is paramount to every child's development.”

Hilary Price is 'totally wrapped and excited” with the community response through Elle's initiative.

'It's greatly encouraging with much needed funds being generated. It's inspirational that someone would think to do this for us.”

To donate to Homes of Hope, visit www.homesofhope.org.nz