Linford’s marathon effort for charity

The Kirkby councillor (57) completed the gruelling 26.2 mile route through the capital in just under five hours.

He said: “It was absolutely fantastic. I got a charity position so started with thousands and thousands of people who were representing their charities - it was amazing to be amongst runners raising millions of pounds.”

The weather on Sunday was particularly warm for the time of year which made the marathon even more challenging for the runners.

“It was a warm day but the crowds were amazing,” said Linford.

“The hardest bit was getting round Canary Wharf at the 18 to 21 mile mark. When you come out and can see Big Ben in the distance, you know you are nearly there!”

Coun Gibbons said he was ‘elated’ to have raised so much money for Prostate Cancer UK, which has been the Chairman’s Charity for his year as chairman of the council.

He added: “It’s painful but you’re not alone - runners are encouraging each other and there’s a camaraderie among you. It’s quite emotional.”

Coun Gibbons is doing a Coast to Coast bike ride from Morecambe to Bridlington - also for Prostate Cancer UK - this weekend.

To sponsor him, visit http://www.sponsorme.co.uk/linfordgibbons/