AN Alcester businessman ran the Dublin marathon for charity recently shortly after recovering from a serious illness.

Andrew Warbrick was taken to hospital suffering from acute pancreatitis in July which resulted in him being off work for five weeks and put his marathon training on hold.

But he was so determined to run the race in aid of the Kay Harman Appeal, as soon as he was given the all-clear, he was back on the road.

Andrew completed the marathon in four hours, 20 minutes and 20 seconds, which he described as "an achievement I'm really pleased with" and raised £700 for the appeal.

He said: "It was the 25th anniversary of the event so the atmosphere was awesome. At the half-way stage I felt great, so decided to carry on.

"My family and friends were waiting anxiously for me at the 18-mile marker. I gave them the thumbs-up and carried on.

"All in all, it was a fantastic trip for a worthwhile cause."

Another Alcester man, Mike Langdon, also ran in the marathon for the Kay Harman Appeal and completed the race in three hours and 45 minutes.

The appeal is raising funds for Alcester woman Kay Harman and her family following her cycling accident, which left her paralysed.

Anyone who would like to make a donation can call 01789 761519.