An investment banker and a primary school teacher both completed their first London Marathon last weekend.

Ben Archer, 39, ran the course in an impressive 4 hours and 39 minutes, collecting £3,165 for Starlight Children’s Foundation.

The foundation grants once-in-a-lifetime wishes to seriously or terminally ill children.

Also tackling the 26.2 mile challenge on April 13 was Priory Primary School teacher Caitriona Doohan.

Miss Doohan, 27, was able to complete the run in 4 hours and 25 minutes.

She said: “It was a great day, the crowds and spectators were fantastic. The run was tough after 20 miles but I had lots of motivation due to all the people who donated to help me through.”

Miss Doohan has raised £3,334.53 for JDRF charity, which works towards curing type 1 diabetes, a condition her sister suffers with.

To support Mr Archer visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenArcher or Miss Doohan justgiving.com/Caitriona-Doohan