SEVERAL runners from LBO land successful took on the gruelling challenge of the London Marathon last Sunday.
Chris Leech, director of Geomatrix Earth Science Ltd in Eden Way, Leighton clocked three hours and 45 minutes to raise about £4,000 for Milton Keynes-based Spinal Injuries Association during his 26.2-mile run.
The 55-year-old lives in Great Brickhill where he is a parish councillor, and as part of his training had been running to and from work twice per week.
He said: “It was a great day, and it was wonderful to take part in such a huge fundraising event, you get cheered round the whole way, which as very exhilarating.”
Martin Walker, 57, from Leighton Buzzard successfully crossed the finish line to raise vital funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Martin finished the course in three hours, 57 minutes.
Laura Savory, challenge fundraising manager at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, said: “Completing the Virgin London Marathon is such a fantastic achievement. Martin and all our runners should be proud of what they have accomplished both for themselves and for the children at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
“Each year, we need to raise £50 million to rebuild and refurbish the hospital, buy vital equipment and fund pioneering research. Our runners have brought us one step closer to achieving our target so well done to all!”
Police officer Stephen Barker said while he was slightly disappointed with his time, he was more than happy with the experience and his fundraising total
Aiming to raise £3,000 for Children with Cancer UK, the Tilsworth man easily surpassed that amount.
He said: “I finished in four hours, 52 minutes. I was a bit dissapointed in the time, I had wanted to cross the line at around four hours 30 minutes, but I was nursing a throat and ear infection and felt pretty lousy.
“The day was amazing, the atmosphere and public support is incredible. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me and helped me to raise over £4,500 for my charity.
“If I have learnt anything from this, it’s if you want something badly enough, you can achieve it.”