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 Hospice-care 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.

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.