FIVE brave runners struggled through record temperatures at the London Marathon on Sunday raising more then £5,000 for a children's hospice in Woodford Green.

Sam Gallagher, Stephen Acons, Joe Sheehan, Pete Rose and David Walker, took on the 26 mile course supported by volunteers from Haven House children's hospice in Mallinson Park.

Also running for the hospice were youngsters in the mini-marathon, Ben Silverstone, Liam Blaikie, and Sam Robinson.

Fundraiser, Dawn Tharby, said: "We were there supporting them. It was a really hot day and such a struggle we were exhausted and we were just watching.

"We're all tremendously proud of them. The weather was a huge factor but the atmosphere was absolutely fantastic and they were getting cheered on all the way by people."

The finishing times were 6hrs 51mins for Sam Gallagher, 5hrs 13mins for Pete Rose, 5hrs 9mins for Stephen Acons, 4hrs 17mins for David Walker, and a very impressive 3hrs 41mins for Joe Sheehan.

Sadly the weather was just a little too hot to tempt David Walker into the Spiderman outfit that he wore for last year's race.

Ms Tharby said: "We're hoping to do something later on and get them together to take them around the house and show them what their money will be spent on."