FUNDRAISERS from across Dorset united to take part in one of the country’s most prestigious challenges.

From teenagers to pensioners, dozens took on the challenge and joined thousands of others in completing the London Marathon 2014.

The runners chose to represent a variety of good causes, with many choosing to raise funds for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Events and challenges fundraiser for the charity Matt Smith travelled to London to support the Weldmar fundraisers.

Matt, who took part in the event himself last year, said the atmosphere at the finish line was ‘electric’.

Elsewhere grandfather Des Downey completed his 11th London Marathon in aid of a local branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

And father and son team Phil and Ben Wylie, who spurred each other on in training, crossed the finish line together.

Phil, who works as a paediatrician at Dorset County Hospital, said their aim was to get round together.

First-time marathon runner Simon Mitchell chose to raise funds for Anthony Nolan because he is on the charity’s organ donor register.

The 40,000 runners faced warm temperatures with thermometers at 11 degrees Celsius in Greenwich when the race began at 10am and the heat climbing gradually throughout the day.

Olympic star Mo Farah finished the race in eighth position while men’s winner Wilson Kipsang, of Kenya, set a new course record of 2:04.27.

Edna Kiplagat, also from Kenya, won the women’s race just three seconds ahead of her nearest rival with a time of 2:20:19.

Runners

Simon Mitchell, 33, from Weymouth

Charity: Anthony Nolan

Time: 3:41:36

He said: “It’s the first time I’ve run this distance so I’m very happy with my time.”

Charlotte Fry, 29, from Weymouth

Club: Egdon Heath Harriers, entered on ballot

Time: 4:18:51

She said: “It’s my first marathon so it feels fantastic. My partner Paul Beare was supposed to run but unfortunately he was injured. He was there to cheer me on.”

Ben Wylie, 19, and Phil Wylie, 53, both from Martinstown

Charity: Parkinson’s UK

Time: 4:25:29

Ben said: “It was incredible and we’re both really proud. There were some points where we allowed each other to take a break but we were spurring each other on the whole way round.”

Chris Scriven, 39, from Weymouth

Charity: West Dorset branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association Time: 3:26:35

He said: “My legs hurt but it’s a fantastic feeling and I’m so pleased with the time I managed.”

Colin Bailey, 44, and Jayne Bailey, 41, both from Weymouth

Charity: The Starlight Children’s Foundation Time:

Time: Colin - 3:54:02 Jayne - 3:46:07

Colin said: “It was so emotional, our children were waiting for us at the finish line and I broke down in tears. I got a bit of an injury so had to slow but Jayne went on and got a brilliant time.”

Des Downey, 77, from Weymouth

Charity: East Dorset and New Forest Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association

Time: 5:04:57

He said “It’s my 11th London Marathon and this is the first time I’ve had a time over five hours. But it’s still quite good. It was a lovely day for it, very warm.”

Keith Pullen, 56, from Weymouth

Charity: CLIC Sargent

Time: 4:17:00

He said: “It was an amazing experience. The first half was great, I got round in about two hours. But it was a warm day and not ideal conditions for running so I think everyone struggled in the second half. It was my first, and possibly my last London Marathon but we’ll see.”

Carolyn Schofield, 54, from Weymouth

Charity: The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

Time: 5:03:17

She said: “I was okay until I got to mile 22. But I managed to finish. Someone I knew in the crowd gave me a big hug and that helped me on my way. It was my first full marathon. I may stick to half marathons in future.”

 

Julie Brumfield, 29, from Weymouth

Charity: Weldmar Hospicecare Trust

Time: 5:01:04

She said: "I couldn't have got round any faster due to the weather, it was a lot warmer than expected. I am used to training in the wet. But I really enjoyed it, and it was for a great local charity."

 

Other runners

Georgina Kosnar, 26, from Poundbury

Charity: The Cystic Fibrosis Trust

Time: 5:44:46

 

Rob Love, 48, from Weymouth

Charity: Hangers Heroes

Time: 4:06:45

 

Matt Bacon, 36, from Portland

Charity: Hangers Heroes

Time: 3:37:39

 

Kate Smith, from Long Bredy

Charity: The Rainbow Trust

Time: 4:56:49

 

Sandie Burton, from Litton Cheney

Charity: The Rainbow Trust

Time: 5:10:04

 

Weldmar runners:

Samantha Pirt - 4:24:22

Daniel Panton-King – 4:38:37

Adrian Mowbray - 5:15:45

Ben Burgess - 4:02:39