RUNNERS from South Wiltshire were among around 40,000 people to take on the gruelling London Marathon.

Samantha Cox, 26, from Salisbury, ran the event for the first time.

She said: “It was amazing - it’s always been one of my ambitions and it was a once in a lifetime experience.

"I completed it in 3hrs 37mins.

“I was running for the Stars Appeal as I think it’s important to support our local hospital and the amazing staff there."

And Tim Varney, chairman of trustees for the Downton-based charity EdUKaid, was embarking on his second marathon in two weeks.

Tim wants to raise £4,000 to fund three teachers and three teaching assistants at three pre-primary classes supported by EdUKaid in Tanzania.

On April 10, Tim completed the first of his two marathons in Manchester.