RUNNERS across Worcestershire celebrated smashing fundraising targets and completing London Marathon time objectives.

More than 40,000 people took part in the London Marathon on Sunday, which was the hottest on record with temperatures of 24.1C recorded in St James’ Park.

James Yelland completed the London Marathon in aid of Worcestershire Young Carers at YSS, managing to complete the run in three hours and 35 minutes, raising £665 in the process - £15 more than his fundraising goal.

He said: “I’m over the moon to have completed the marathon and to have raised so much money for young carers.

"It was such a hot day and the conditions were really challenging so I’m pleased I was able to complete it in good time.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has made a donation to my fundraising page.

"I really wanted to raise £650 to support young carers in the county, so I’m thrilled to have raised over and above my goal, and I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s fantastic support.”

Mr Yelland decided to run the race to support Worcestershire Young Carers after learning more about how donations can support young carers from YSS chief executive Lorraine Preece.

The money he has raised will be used to take a group of young carers on a day trip to the seaside this summer.

Neil Phillips, senior coordinator working on the Worcestershire Young Carers service, said: “We are over the moon to hear of James’ brilliant achievement.

"Activities like visiting the seaside are so important in giving these young people a well-deserved break, as well as the chance to socialise with their peers and have some fun.

Jo Osborne, from Fernhill Heath raised money for Addaction who her close friend works as head nurse for.

She smashed her target of five hours by 11 minutes.

Bobbi Spragg, from Worcester completed the marathon in four hours and 28 minutes.

Ruth Bennett, from Worcester did the marathon in four hours and 36 minutes, raising £4100 for St Richard's Hospice.

Ian Walker and his wife Becky, both from Worcester completed their marathons in four hours 27 minutes and four hours 42 minutes respectively.

Megan Bradley, aged 22, from Malvern completed the marathon in six hours and ten minutes raising £3,200 for Friends of the Elderly.

Since the age of 16, she has been volunteering for Friends of the Elderly at its day care service in Malvern run by sister organisation, Triangle Community Services.

Her mother, Shirley, is the manager of the charity’s day care services in Malvern and Kidderminster and inspired her to get involved with older people in her community from a young age.

Mark Bingley and Tim Howell from Worcester, raised £2600 for Mencap.

Laura Page, from Evesham raised £1500 for the Ectodermal Dysplasia Society after her brother suffered from the disorder.

She trebled her original fundraising target with money still coming in. She completed the marathon in six hours and 22 minutes.