A runner comfortably broke the four hour barrier in his first London Marathon, raising more than £700 for a children’s hospice charity.

March AC runner Kev Barnes, 40, of Friday Bridge, completed the course in three hours 54 minutes. He raised £709, which will be split between East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and veterinary charity PDSA.

He said: “It seemed so surreal running the marathon and was like my body wasn’t with me. It was a long cold wait in the morning waiting for the run to start but once we set off I felt fine.

“My mate Paul Hensby waited for me at the four mile point as he was in the fast start being an experienced marathon runner and it helped a great deal having him to run the course with.

“I finished in under four hours which I’m really chuffed with for my first attempt! I hobbled around after but the pain eased after a soak in the bath and a cheeky beer.

“It’s great to have raised so much money for EACH, they are a worthy cause who do great work across Cambridgeshire, “I’m pleased to have been able to contribute to this. Also a big thanks to everyone at March AC for this fantastic opportunity and everyone who supported me”

Karen Newton, EACH Cambridgeshire fundraiser, Said: “Congratulations to Kev on completing his first marathon, and for the impressive amount of money he’s raised. We’re thrilled he chose to support us with his fundraising efforts.

“EACH care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire and support their families.

“This money will go towards these vital services and really make a difference to the local community.”

For more information on EACH, go to www.each.org.uk