A STUDENT from West Devon has raised over £1,000 in sponsorship and is still collecting more after completing the London Marathon last month. John O?Donoghue, originally from Meeth, finished the event in three hours and forty-eight minutes. He said: ?It was an experience of a lifetime and the training all paid off with a time that I was pleased with. ?The crowd was amazing and really helped me through every mile; it was never easy but, if it was, everyone would want to do it everyday.? John, 20, wanted to take the opportunity personally to thank his girlfriend Beth and dad Dave who travelled up with him and stood in the rain for four hours watching. He also expressed thanks to Shaun in HPT, who helped with sponsorship and advice, and Holsworthy Insurance. John who is currently studying for a sports and leisure management degree at Loughborough University, ran the race as part of the Mr Men and Little Miss team, raising funds for Children with Leukaemia. John said he had already thought about taking part in the event next year. ?I think I?ve got the ?marathon bug? but will have to see about university commitments,? he said.
