BUSINESSES across Worcestershire and Herefordshire showed their support for athletic employees who took part in the London Marathon at the weekend.

Four colleagues at Worcester's npower headquarters were celebrating their success after raising thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

James Lawton, aged 32, and David Halford, aged 29, ran together and completed the run in three hours 29 minutes.

Jenny Simons, 29, reached the 20-mile mark in just over three hours, but took another hour to run the last six miles.

"I ran all the way, but after 20 miles every step was difficult," she said.

Heidi Martin, 28, took four hours 39 minutes and found it hard going in Sunday's sun, crossing the finishing line with a mixture of delight and disbelief.

"I can hardly walk now, but I've got a lovely suntan," she said.

The four had all done some running before, but none had previously run a marathon.

Npower has promised to match the £4,000 they have raised in sponsorship with an equivalent donation to Macmillan, which is the company's chosen charity.

And Charles Rodway, managing director of Lansdowne Rodway Estates, in Blackpole, raised over £6,500 for four charities by completing the marathon in four hours and 12 minutes.

Mr Rodway ran in aid of Children with Leukaemia, Leukaemia Research, Leukaemia Care and the Prostate Cancer Charity.

"I last did a marathon six years ago while serving in the Army when I was younger, sleeker of build and swifter of foot," he said.

"This time it felt really gruelling, but the atmosphere was unforgettable and the crowds lining the streets were fantastic.

"But the greatest spur was knowing the charities the money was being raised for and the amazing generosity of so many local companies and individuals who all rallied to the cause, which kept me going."