A MARATHON runner from Droitwich can take a well-earned rest after raising £6,350 for St Richard's Hospice in Worcester.

Andrew Neale, aged 43, who works as an independent financial adviser, completed this year's London Marathon in a time of five hours and five minutes.

He said: "It was such a baking hot day that it ended up being the hottest ever London Marathon.

"I was therefore delighted to finish safely without stopping to walk at any time.

"It was a truly memorable occasion and the crowds were simply amazing.

"At all times the noise was deafening and a real encouragement for all of the 26.2 miles."

He also took part in the previous year's marathon.

Mr Neale said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me and gave me the inspiration to keep on running when the going got tough."

Alison Weston, St Richard's community fund-raiser at its new headquarters in Wildwood Drive, Spetchley, said: "It's a fantastic amount of money that Andrew has raised for St Richard's.

"We are very grateful for all his support and to all our other runners who took on such a huge challenge in running the marathon."