RUNNERS from across south Worcestershire defied the hottest weather on record and completed the London Marathon on Sunday.

And as well as completing the athletic challenge, many of the runners were raising money for good causes close to their hearts.

Wayne Smith, who finished in 4h 33, was running for Make A Wish, which is fulfilling a wish for his parter;'s daughter, Lily-Mai, aged seven..

He said: "It was hard work, with it being the hottest marathon so far. A great experience, met so many fantastic people. Everyone just wanted to get to that finish line so they could do their families and charities proud.

"I am glad I’ve done this for Make a Wish. Lily-Mai has her wish next week so I’m sure that all of these aches and pains will be well worth it when I see her face when she sees Mr Tumble."

Scott Barmby of Claines finished in 3h27 and so far has raised £6,515 for Breast Cancer Now.

He said: "It was an absolutely fantastic experience, the crowds were just awesome. It was a real scorcher, ridiculously hot. It was my first London Marathon, but I would definitely do it again."

Rachel Tranter of North Littleton, near Evesham was running for Diabetes UK, as her son Alex was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was just six years old.

She said "We were hoping to raise £2,000 but it looks as if we doubled that target and raised £4,000. All of this money will help go towards like Alex to make their life easier living with diabetes.

"I ran t last year, and over the past two years we have raised over £10,000. This year was the hottest marathon on record, but I actually completed it 22 minutes quicker than last year.

"I have received great support from my family and friends and also from Pete and Rachel Grinnall of Complete Spas in Blackminster who have kindly donated £20 from every hot tub sale."`

Six members of Malvern Buzzards Running club completed the marathon.

The runners were Kevin McMillan (2h56), Ciaran Connor (3h13), Steve Beldon (3h:18), Simeon Foreman (3h36), Martin Reed-Darby (03h50) and Julie Caseley (4h50).

"All are proud of their achievements and of having such a good representation in the big event," said a club spokesman..

The Malvern Joggers had a team of 11 athletes in the race, many raising money for good causes.

Paul Newman of the club, said: "On a blisteringly hot day, each had their own goals; for some it was to catch Mo Farah, but for most, they were happy to stay ahead of Scooby Doo or the guy in the deep sea diving suit.

"Suzie Lane was running back-to-back marathons for the British Heart Foundation; although it was not a personal best, she was delighted with her time of 4h.06.

David Brett was running with his daughter Jo who was in her first marathon, while Ian Walwyn chose to run in his Where's Wally costume, and Shona Toon was back running after having her leg in plaster last year.