Andy French, a dad of three from Ross-on-Wye, ran the London Marathon on Sunday, April 23rd in five hours, 49 minutes and 21 seconds.

Andy has also managed to raise more than £2,500 for Clic Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children, young people and their families. Its care teams provide specialist support across the UK.

When Andy signed up to do the London Marathon for Clic Sargent, he pledged that he would raise at least £1,800, so he has smashed his target by more than £700.

Andy told the Ross Gazette that he had some pain in his knee after about nine miles, and his hip gave way after approximately 16 miles, but he powered through and made it to the finish line.

He added that his friends and family gave him a much-needed morale boost along the way. He said:?“My wife, Rose, travelled down to London on Saturday with me and stayed with me. My mum, dad and brother also travelled down for the day to support me which spurred me on. They met me at seven miles, 17 miles and then 300 metres from the finish line.

“I cannot believe the support I have had from friends and family back home too. It’s extremely humbling to see how many people tracked me whilst I was doing it and the messages of support and congratulations is mind blowing.”

The London Marathon was Andy’s first long distance run, since he ran a 10k challenge in Bristol about seven years ago. To sponsor Andy, please visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Andy.French1