A BROTHER and sister team from Penarth took on the London Marathon on Sunday in memory of their mother - and raised more than £4,000 for charity.

Sam and Rebecca Merrill took part in the 26 mile road race in tribute to their mum, Gill, who died from cancer in 2006.

The pair crossed the finish line together, hand-in-hand, on Sunday (April 25) and in doing so raised more than £4,000 for World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).

Sam, 26, a student and researcher, said: “This is my first marathon and I really enjoyed the whole experience, so much so that I plan to run the Berlin Marathon in September.

"We ran the entire thing with balloons stuck to our head too!

“We completed it in five hours and 12 minutes and we had our mum, Gill, in mind the entire time. We wouldn't leave each other because we wanted to complete the race for her.”

Natalie Tarrant, Events Manager at WCRF, said: “We are so grateful to Sam and Rebecca for such an amazing effort.

“The money they have raised for us will go towards our research into the link between lifestyle and cancer, and our education work that promotes the message that a third of the most common cancers could be prevented through eating healthily, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.”

A 58-YEAR-OLD grandmother from Penarth completed the challenge of a lifetime - by running the 2010 Virgin London Marathon.

Erika Fitzgibbon crossed the finishing line on Sunday (April 25) in a time of 4 hours 20 minutes - and in doing so raised more than £3,500 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Erika, who is leader of the Penarth Women’s Running Network groups, said: “Running the London Marathon was a massive challenge and an incredible experience. “The atmosphere on the day was brilliant and I’m proud to have been part of the BHF Heart Runners team. “Knowing I was running for such a great cause really kept me going.

"I must thank everyone who has so generously supported me over the last six months."

Money raised from the run will help the BHF work to beat heart disease through research, prevention and care work.

Nancy Prior, Head of Events at the British Heart Foundation said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the Heart Runners and their sponsors for their support.”

A PENARTH headteacher says running the London Marathon was 'a life-changing experience'.

Albert Primary principal Huw Jones took part in the 2010 race on Sunday (April 25) to raise money and awareness for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Mr Jones has seen how the condition has affected Morgan Bird, the daughter of Albert LSA (Learning Support Assistant) Chris Bird, and his marathon effort netted the diabetes charity more than £3,500.

“I’ve certainly learnt from the experience,” he said.

“Seeing other people run for different charities and in memory of loved ones has really put my own life into perspective.

“It was a very humbling experience and in many ways it was life changing.”

Money raised from Mr Jones' 26 mile run - which he completed in 4 hours 40 minutes - will be presented to JDRF at a ceremony in London later this year.

A PENARTH man has thanked sponsors after overcoming crippling blisters to complete the London Marathon in memory of his first wife.

Pete Charles, of Baroness Place, completed the 26 mile course in 5 hours and 51 minutes - and raised £2,900 for Breast Cancer Care.

Mr Charles’ first wife, Carole, died of the disease 22 years ago.

Ever since her death, Pete has organised a host of fundraising events and has raised close to £25,000.

Pete, 52, said: “It was a brilliant day and the crowds all around the course were fantastic and gave me tremendous encouragement, especially when I was struggling with blisters at mile 21!

“I was determined to get around though in the knowledge that so many people had donated so generously towards a great cause.”

Claire O’Neill, Sporting Events Organiser for Breast Cancer Care said: “Pete’s efforts have been fantastic.

“He and our other runners helped raise £150,000 for the charity from this year’s London Marathon.”

Anyone still wishing to sponsor Pete can visit his sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/pete-charles