A LONDON Marathon runner from Malvern has raised £3,200 for Friends of the Elderly.

Megan Bradley, aged 22, completed the race in 6h10, after training hard from the start of the year.

Her fundraising efforts have included a quiz night, a live music night, a raffle and a coffee morning, all alongside her final year studies for her degree at Manchester Metropolitan University.

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

Megan’s 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.

She said: "It was the hardest and best day of my life. I have felt so honoured to represent Friends of the Elderly and spend time raising awareness and that all important money for the charity. Knowing how much it will help those supported by the charity is the most rewarding part of it all.

"The race was scorching but amazing, and the crowds were incredible. Thank you to everyone at Friends of the Elderly, my amazing parents, friends, and family, and strangers alike for their donations, support, and kindness throughout it all. It’s been truly extraordinary to be part of something so special.”

Yvonne Martin at Friends of the Elderly, said: “Big congratulations to Megan for completing the London Marathon – what an achievement. Megan has been absolutely amazing doing so much fundraising.”

Pippa Leith, 22, from Ledbury, completed it in 5h09, running to raise funds for Alzheimer’s and Shipston Home Nursing.

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 in the race, many raising money for good causes.

Paul Newman of the club said: "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 4h06. 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."