Runners from across Wiltshire took up the challenge of completing the 32nd London Marathon, many raising funds for good causes back at home.

The gruelling event, totalling 26 miles and 385 yards, required months of training and dedication from those who took part on Sunday.

Among them was 22-year-old Stuart Randall of West Parade, Warminster, who raised about £600 for the Wessex Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre.

He said: “It is my first marathon. I do a bit of running with the running club but nothing like this.

“My training went well at first; I got up to about 18 miles and then my right knee went. I went to the doctor for a scan and it was just inflamed, but they advised me not to run.”

Mr Randall said he learned about the centre in the local press and added: “It seemed like an important cause, so I thought I would go for it. I managed the marathon in 5hrs 27mins and 45 secs.”

Centre manager Rosie Eliot said: “We were delighted that Stuart volunteered to run the marathon for us and particularly pleased to have a local lad involved.”

Two Corsham men overcame injury and complete the marathon for a second successive year.

Friends Leigh McCarron, 37, and Robbie White, 40, ran the 26.2-mile endurance event to raise funds for Children with Cancer UK.

Mr McCarron, who had been struggling with a calf strain, completed the marathon in 3hrs 55mins, while Mr White, who had a knee tendon problem, finished in 5hrs 13mins.

The pair have raised £3,000 for the charity and hope to top the £4,000 mark after a fundraising race night, auction and karaoke evening at the Great Western, Corsham.

To sponsor Mr McCarron and Mr White, visit the website uk.virginmoneygiving.

com/leigh_robbie.

St John Ambulance volunteers from Wiltshire played a key role on the day.

The county branch manned a treatment centre on their own for the first time, with a total of 19 adult first aiders and 10 cadets from the county stationed in front of Buckingham Palace, just yards from the finish line.

They dealt with 15 casualties, most of whom suffered dehydration and exhaustion.

Linda Robbins, one of the Wiltshire St John Ambulance first aiders at the event, said: “It was an inspirational day. The satisfaction of being able to help runners raising money for deserving charities made the event very rewarding for everyone.”

Mum-of-two Claire Webb, 34, of Bowerhill, ran for Self Unlimited in Rowde and the Kennet Gateway Club.

She clocked 5hrs 40mins and can be sponsored at www.virginmoneygiving.com /clairewebbselfunlimited. So far, £1,500 has been raised.

She said: “The first half was like being in a carnival. Pubs were open and people were lining the route five or six deep, there was music blaring from stages and live bands.“ Seend couple Michael and Clare Stynes clocked respective times of 3hrs 53mins and 4hrs 24mins and have raised more than £2,500 for the Anthony Nolan Trust.