A woman running the London Marathon in memory of her friend who was due to take part was among the South Holland runners raising thousands for charity at Sunday’s event.
Karen Pearson decided to run it after Teresa Walton, who was raising money for Breast Cancer UK after beating that condition, died in a road accident last year.
Karen released balloons outside Buckingham Palace in memory of her friend after raising more than £5,000.
“It was an amazing, beautiful and emotional day,” said the Vine House Farm Cafe manager. “I think Teresa would be very proud of me.
“Every step, tear and pain was worth it.
“I’ve had amazing support from so many people and organisations and I can’t thank everyone enough.
“I was a bit worried as I hadn’t done any training but I went under my target time finishing in 6hrs 23mins.
“After doing The Great North Run I’m now going for a hat-trick and the Great Eastern Run.”
Local postie Ade Mills clocked a time of 4:28:33 and has raised £1,800 for The Alan Hudson Day Care Centre in Wisbech.
He said: “It was an amazing experience with the highlights being coming around the Cutty Sark, running over Tower Bridge and of course, the iconic finish past Buckingham Palace and then down The Mall.”
Frances Crampton has been raising funds for The Lily Foundation alongside colleagues from St John’s Primary School in Spalding.
They went along to cheer her on in the run and her £3,000 makes the total raised as a school nearly £6,000.
The Lily Foundation has been providing help and support for pupil Kiya Clark who has mitochondrial disease.
