WYRE Forest runners pulled out the stops to take part in the Flora London Marathon on Sunday.

They raised thousands of pounds for a range of good causes, including cancer charities and youth groups.

A runner who experienced a roller-coaster of emotions during Sunday's London marathon hopes it will help to raise £2,000 for his chosen charity. Paul Rees

Paul Rees, a 24-year-old podiatrist - or feet and leg specialist - from Bewdley ran the 26-mile course in about five-and-a-half hours to support national charity Get Kids Going.

It provides specialist sports equipment and wheelchairs to disabled children and a child from Coleshill, Solihull, helped by the charity won the junior event on Sunday.

"When you do the London marathon you feel every single emotion," said Mr Rees, of Wheatcroft Avenue.

"Depression, elation - I was completely overwhelmed.

He added: "You get to a stage when you find it difficult to put one foot in front of another.

"You think, 'I don't really want to be here.'

"I got quite emotional seeing my supporters, who came down with me, at Westmin-ster.

"Seeing them I broke down in tears."

Mr Rees, who also plays for a soul and Motown band and hockey for a Stourport team, staged a soul night in March as part of his bid to raise money for the charity to add to his sponsorship cash.

"I probably won't do the marathon again - but I can say I've done it!"

l Painter and decorator Martin Meese, 50, of Arch Hill Court, Kidderminster, completed the London Marathon, his first ever, in five hours and 55 minutes.

Mr Meese looks set to raise £1,500 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief.