Kind-hearted London Marathon runners raised thousands of pounds for vital charities in Brent – as the final figures were announced this week.
A team of five runners taking part in support of Brent Centre For Young People raised a staggering £7,045 by completing the 26.2 mile course on April 28.
The Brondesbury charity helps young people with suicidal thoughts, anorexia and other mental health conditions.
Fitness instructor Rey Smart, who runs the free Run Wembley Wednesday, raised £1,641 for the charity in Winchester Avenue. He said: "This was my second London Marathon so I knew what to expect and my 8th marathon.
"Having run the Paris Marathon two weeks before I was confident I could get around.
"I welcomed the colder weather and maintained a steady pace for the first half but when I got to Tower Bridge the legs started to feel heavy and it was mind over matter all the way to the finish.
"The atmosphere on the day was amazing. The charity put my name on the front and back of my top and the crowd support on the day was absolutely amazing."
"I am so grateful to everyone that donated and took the fundraising total to £1,367 and with gift aid £1,641."
Victor Tsui raised £1,123 and Jeff Strachan, who'd flown over from Dubai, a further £2,311. Luca Hunter, who was told that she must never run again after being diagnosed with cancer, completed her 35th marathon. She raised £535 on her "warm up" to a six day "ultra marathon" she's competing in, the Marathon des Sables.
First time marathon runner Ellie Doherty, 19, ran in support of her mother who she witnessed having a mental health breakdown. Having raised more than £1,900 for mental health charity Mind, she said: "It was so hard I rolled my ankle at 15 miles. It turned out later I'd sprained it. But I carried on for the next 11 miles and I completed it!"
Willesden Green's Rikki Lewis raised more than £4,800 for Jewish Care in Frien Barnet where his grandfather was cared for.
He said: "The feeling of pain and body destruction has been pushed aside by an enormous sense of pride and achievement.
"It was an absolute privilege taking part in the race and I am extremely proud having raised money for the fantastic charity Jewish Care, which undoubtedly pushed me over the finish line."
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