SUNDAY’S London Marathon attracted several runners from Crow country, all fund-raising for worthy causes in the capital’s blistering heat.

They have all contacted The Crow to speak of the difficult conditions, but expressed their relief at completing the iconic route.

Mandy Jinkerson was running for Addenbrooke’s Hospital’s Oncology Unit 12 years after being diagnosed with womb cancer.

The 45-year-old mother of two said: “I had a great day and finished in just over five hours. The atmosphere was fantastic for the entire time with people cheering & bands playing.

“I saw my family on Tower Bridge which gave me a real boost at about 12 miles.

“After that the weather warmed up and it did become hot at times but the crowd really spur you on and keep you going.

“Crossing the finish line and receiving the medal made me feel really proud and I’m pleased to have been able to raise over �500 for Addenbrooke’s Oncology Unit.”

Neil MacLeod, also from Royston, was running the Marathon for the second time.

He set himself the challenge of completing the race after his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008, and was able to complete it alongside 215 others in support of The Prostate Cancer Charity, raising �2,500.

“It was so hot, which meant my plan for getting around the course went out the window,” he said. “I’d sat down with my wife Ruth the night before and we planned when I’d pass each mile so that she could follow me around the course.

“The charity’s supporter points are good and it gave me a real boost to hear people cheer and call out my name as I passed.

“The London Marathon is really special and running it is my way of giving something back to the charity. It was brilliant in giving dad help and information after he was diagnosed.”

Tom Galvin, a former Royston town footballer who is the son of Tottenham and Ireland player Tony Galvin, finished in three hours and 41 minutes.

He was raising money for the Stevenage Community Trust Fund and was particularly delighted to be taking part after three years of unsuccessful entries.

“Having spent the majority of my adult life in the North Herts area it was a great honour to be representing such a well-known charity for the local area,” he said.

“I am regularly advising people and ensuring they are on the right path to hitting their goals, so it now seem strange that I’ve actually competed in something that has always been a goal of mine.”

Barley and Market Hill Surgery’s Bridget Gough and Meridian School assistant head David Atkins were amongst a team of five that ran for the Khandel Light Charity, raising around �10,000 between them.

Khandel Light was set up by Dr Peter Gough in 2000, and works to improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged families in Khandel, India.

Bridget, who was running her eighth marathon, said: “The money we raised is brilliant and we would like to thank everybody who sponsored us.”