Two friends from Willesden Green braved the heat on Sunday to run 26.2 miles for a Jewish charity.

Sarah Myers, 37, was running her first marathon alongside 39-year-old Mich Preston. Their efforts were in aid of Jewish Care, which looks after Sarah’s grandmother.

Sarah said: “Everyone was just brilliant and the support all along the way was amazing, it was so good to see my family and have a nice warm welcome at the end. It was great to be supporting this amazing organisation.”

Mich said: “It was harder than I thought it would be, but I loved it. We both have three kids and work four days a week – so squeezing in training has been the biggest struggle and the weather has been quite a challenge.

“Our families have been amazing – the kids have been fundraising in the playground. Seeing them on the day with their home-made banners has spurred us on and we’re so grateful for all the support.”

Sarah and Mich were among six Jewish Care runners who raised more than £26,500 in total.