LUCIA Gallie from Tavistock completed her first marathon on Sunday, raising money for Children with Cancer UK.

Lucia spent the build-up to the marathon training on her own but said the Tavistock running community had been really supportive and managed to complete the 26.2 mile course in just over seven hours, comfortably beating her target time of eight.

She said: ‘It was absolutely incredible. It’s gruelling, exhausting and physically very tough, but the crowds and people you meet along the way really help take your mind off it all and keep you motivated.

‘After you’ve finished and you’re wearing your medal, so many Londoners congratulate you and cheer for you as you hobble on by — it’s quite overwhelming!’