Hardy runners from Royston and the surrounding villages raised impressive sums for charity when they pounded through the streets of the capital during the London Marathon on Sunday. As the runners take a well-earned break after the trials and tribulations of months of training, the Crow has taken a snapshot of the day – featuring some of the stars from the area, who ran the marathon for some very personal and worthwhile causes.. Melbourn commercial director James Lovelace ran the Marathon to raise money for Macmillan, to say thanks for the support they gave when he was diagnosed with skin cancer last year.

Royston Crow: Craig McMurrough ran the marathon dressed as an RAF pilot.Craig McMurrough ran the marathon dressed as an RAF pilot. (Image: Archant)

James, who completed the run in 4.30.45, said: “The day was awesome, it was everything I had imagined and more. It was seriously one of the best days of my life. It’s hard to describe really, but the energy you get from the crowds is just incredible. Whenever you feel like you are struggling, someone shouts your name and you instantly get a huge lift. It was a really incredible day, and I managed to raise more than £9,500 and counting which was the main thing.

“Thanks so much to everyone who supported me, from my family and friends, to people I’ve never met before who made the effort to donate to such an amazing and worthwhile cause.”

Royston Crow: The Royston Runners cheered on members who ran the marathon on behalf of Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust, including Paula Smith, third from left, front.The Royston Runners cheered on members who ran the marathon on behalf of Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust, including Paula Smith, third from left, front. (Image: Archant)

To make a donation, search ‘James Lovelace’ on virginmoneygiving.com.

Royston Crow: Carrie Taylor ran the marathon for the Family Holiday Association.Carrie Taylor ran the marathon for the Family Holiday Association. (Image: Archant)

Strapped with a model replica of an RAF plane to his back, Royston’s Craig McMurrough pounded the streets dressed as a pilot.

He said: “It was hard – windy in places which made it difficult – however the spectators were very supportive and the red was an amazing crowd pleaser. My bucket was heavy for the first 13 miles and then I could swap it at mile 14 with the RAF Association which was very welcome.”

Royston Crow: Richard Lloyd, headteacher at Steeple Morden Primary School, ran the London Marathon for Children with Cancer UK.Richard Lloyd, headteacher at Steeple Morden Primary School, ran the London Marathon for Children with Cancer UK. (Image: Archant)

Craig finished the marathon in 6.31.50 and you can still donate to the RAF by visiting his fundraising page at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/craigmcmurrough2.

Royston Crow: Bridget Gough, John Adamson and Tash Partos ran the marathon for Khandel lightBridget Gough, John Adamson and Tash Partos ran the marathon for Khandel light (Image: Archant)

Staff member at Meridian School, Paula Smith, took part on behalf of Team Ev! to raise money for the staff in Ward C2 at Addenbrooke’s Hospital to say thanks for their help in caring for Evan Rees-Humphreys, after the 13-year-old was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in 2010.

She ran the marathon in an impressive 04:15:08 and said: “It was a wonderful experience and I was overwhelmed by the support I received on the day. It has been a privilege to represent Royston Runners in their support of Team Ev!”

To support the charity, search for ‘Team Ev!’ and ‘Adddenbrooke’s Charitable Trust’.

Royston woman Carrie Taylor drummed up more than £2,000 for the Family Holiday Association with her marathon effort.

She said: “It was an absolutely amazing experience and there was unbelievable support from the crowds. I finished in 4.57.19 which I am pleased with, as I wanted to get in under five hours.”

To sponsor Carrie, search ‘Carrie Taylor’ on www.virginmoneygiving.com.

Richard Lloyd, headteacher at Steeple Morden Primary School, ran the marathon for Children with Cancer UK in 4.46.57. He said: “It was a wonderful experience that I would recommend to anyone. In the week leading up to the marathon, children at the school helped support me by running the ‘Steeple Morden School London Mini-Marathon’ where the children ran around a course, for sponsorship, past London landmarks that they had made themselves. In the time I have been headteacher at Steeple Morden, three children have suffered with and overcome cancer. At the moment, one of our teachers has a son who is having treatment. As a show of support and solidarity we are fundraising for Children with Cancer’s vital research.”

If you would like to sponsor Richard, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Richard Lloyd.

A team of five people, Bridget Gough, Simon Oughton, John Adamson, Henrik Frydenlund and Tash Partos ran the marathon for Barley charity Khandel light. The charity, which helps people living in poverty in India, was set up by Bridget’s husband Dr Peter Gough back in 2000 following his first visit to Khandel.

Bridget ran the marathon in 4:19:27 and said: “This was my 13th marathon and it was lovely to run with my son’s girlfriend Tash. It was her first one and we kept each other going. People have been so generous and we hope that all together we will have raised about £9,000 as a team.”

To help the team raise even more, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Bridget Gough.