RUNNERS from the Malvern and Ledbury areas were among the thousands who gathered at the starting line

of the London Marathon.

Athletes young and old ran the 26.2 mile course on Sunday, April 23 – with runners also raising

thousands of pounds for an array of charities.

James Gilbert, of Malvern car company Morgan, raised more than £10,500 for the British Heart Foundation

when he ran in memory of his dad, who died in 2015 of a heart attack.

He said: "I managed to complete the course in five hours, having not been able to run one mile this time last year so am very pleased. I've got into the New York Marathon in November so will look to raise even more money for BHF and lower my finishing time."

11 members of Malvern Joggers took part this year, among them Julia Heron, who said: "I absolutely loved it even though the last four miles were tough to say the least. Also thanks so much for all the donations, a massive £1,600-plus for the Brain Tumour Charity, which is fantastic."

Sam Marshall, who was raising money for St Luke's Hospice in Essex, said: "My knee popped, so a hard finish and slightly slower time than planned, but a great day, The support was amazing."

Also running for the Joggers were Sam Eden, fundraising for Arthritis Research, Kareen Mann, Ian Walwyn, Julie Caseley, Henry Walker, John Newey, Megz Judge and Derek Goodman, running for Motor Neurone Disease.

Malvern Special Families have been celebrating the success of their first-ever London Marathon runners. Darren Huggins from Droitwich Spa crossed the finish line at 6 hours 19 minutes.

Mr Huggins said: “Running the marathon for Malvern Special Families was a great one. Thank you for the opportunity to run for a great local charity.”

Cassie Zoro of Malvern Special Families said: “This is a fantastic achievement and a historic moment for our charity. This year Malvern Special Families is celebrating 30 years and it’s brilliant that Darren has become the first person to run the London Marathon on behalf of Malvern Special Families."

Five Ledbury Harriers completed the marathon on Sunday: Emma Gummery, Helen Keegan, Steve Rooke, Emma Clarke and Rose Earl.

A record 39,487 runners took part in the marathon, raising an expected £60 million for different charities.