LONDON Marathon runner Ian Norris has thanked everyone who supported him to raise more than £3,000 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Ian, an on-call firefighter from Ruxley Close, Royal Wootton Bassett, was selected by Wiltshire Air Ambulance for its charity place in the London Marathon in April 2018.

He had to raise a minimum of £2,500 but raised a fantastic £3,150. Ian, who ran the London Marathon in memory of Royal Wootton Basset GP Dr Jerry Marshall, went through the pain barrier to complete the race after sustaining an injury and contending with the hottest temperature on record.

Ian was inspired to carry on fundraising for Wiltshire Air Ambulance by running the Swindon Half Marathon last month and raised £569.10.

He and his wife, Michelle, visited Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s new airbase at Semington, near Melksham, to present the total of £3,719.

Ian, 43 and who works in vehicle quality at Honda in Swindon, said: “The amount raised is incredible. I can’t thank people enough for supporting me, they have been so generous. The money made from the quiz night I held for the London Marathon was massive, something I never expected.

“The car wash I did at Royal Wootton Bassett Fire Station for the Swindon Half was a success too, considering it was a short notice event. Also, Honda have been very generous, donating towards the London Marathon and the Swindon Half.”

Ian is going to continue to raise funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance as he has signed up to run the Bath Half Marathon in March 2019.

He added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the charity, raising vital funds and making people aware of the lifesaving work it does. The staff are amazing, they are like a big family and that makes it more enjoyable to support and be a part of. I have felt proud to have pulled on the colours of Wiltshire Air Ambulance in London and Swindon and I can’t wait for the Bath Half!”

Kenresa Stratford, Events Coordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “Ian’s enthusiasm for both the London Marathon and the Swindon Half Marathon has been infectious. We are very grateful for the support he has given the charity and the funds he has raised will help to keep our lifesaving service operational.

“We looking forward to welcoming Ian back to Team WAA for the Bath Half Marathon on March 17 2009. If you have been inspired by Ian, we have places available on our team for the Bath Half. If you are running the London Marathon in 2019 and would like to raise funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please get in touch by emailing hello@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or call 01225 300536.”