HEROIC long-distance runners who conquered the London Marathon raised more than £45,000 for a hospice.

St Helena Hospice was supported by 20 marathon runners on Sunday.

Lisa Chenery, fundraiser at the hospice, said: “Our heartfelt thanks to all our 20 London Marathon runners.

"They were all amazing and we are so proud of our Team St Helena who have raised an incredible £45,295 to date and counting.

"We were so proud to cheer them on at mile 17.

“The public ballot is now open for people to enter for a place next year and we would be so grateful if anyone winning a place would run in support of St Helena Hospice.

“We also have 18 golden bond places available now for London Marathon 2023 for people keen to take on the challenge for team St Helena and you can register your interest by email fundraising@sthelena.org.uk now.”

Paul Davison, from Eight Ash Green, who also took on an extra challenge by running seven marathons in seven days, finished in three hours and 58 minutes.

Paul said: “London Marathon was an amazing finale to my seven marathons in seven days, and a wonderful experience.

"It was great to see the St Helena Hospice team at mile 17 shouting out, and brilliant to see a few of the other Hospice runners on the route.

“The last week has been a fantastic experience and one I will never forget.

"I’m so proud to have completed all seven marathons, and all in under four hours, and to have done it supporting St Helena Hospice.

"A massive thanks to family, friends, fellow runners, Great Bentley Running Club, Relfex-18, and everyone who has supported me in any way - it has been brilliant."

Tim Clifton, deputy director for digital and information at the hospice, completed the marathon in four hours and 58 minutes. 

He said: "It was an amazing experience, a truly special marathon. Having the opportunity to run and raise much needed funds for St Helena Hospice was a real privilege that I would love to repeat.”

Fraser Lewis ran the London Marathon on his 50th birthday and his running vest was printed with the names of 26 people requested in memory by people who sponsored him. His time was three hours and 53 minutes. 

“Running the London Marathon on my 50th was a dream come true," he said.

"It was a rollercoaster of emotions as people donated for each mile and I carried the thoughts of their loved ones through the miles.”

Neil Winters, whose photo shows him smiling at his family and friends at mile 13, finished with a time of 4hrs and 13m.

“I’ve applied to enter London Marathon for the last ten years but had the rejection email each time but yesterday my dream came true," he said.

"I was so proud to run for St Helena Hospice, who make such a difference to the local people. What a day, the support from the crowd was incredible.

"I can honestly say I smiled the whole way round.”

Ben Campbell, trained super hard and finished in quick time 2:57: “I’m super happy with my time and it exceeded my expectations. Lots of clinging on for dear life in the final 10k.”

The public ballot is open here www.tcslondonmarathon.com and to apply for a St Helena Hospice Golden Bond place contact fundraising@sthelena.org.uk