A MAN running in memory of his late father and another competing as Brentford FC mascot Buzz Bee were among dozens of Hounslow residents to complete the London Marathon on Sunday.

Charles Heming, of Ennismore Avenue, Chiswick, was recovering this week after finishing the 26.2 mile course in a highly respectable 4h50m.
The 35-year-old father-of-ran raised £3,500 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), to help fight heart disease.

He took on the challenge in tribute to his late father, Chris, who died of a heart attack a few years ago.

"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," he said.

Stephen Reed, of Cranford Lane, Heston, sweated his way round the course as Buzz Bee in 6h54m, raising more than £1,000 for the BHF.

The 31-year-old dustman said: "When the sun broke through it was really hot inside the costume but at least it meant I didn't get sunburned. There were lots of Brentford fans dotted round the course and whenever they saw me they were shouting 'Bees, Bees, Barmy Army', which really kept me going."

Stephen will be at Griffin Park for Brentford's final game of the season against Hartlepool next Saturday (April 8) to thank his supporters.
It was also a happy ending for Carly Wilson, of Field Road, Feltham, who ran the marathon with friend Robyn Alford, from Ashford. Between them, they have raised more than £3,500 for Help a London Child.

The 24-year-old said: "The first ten miles just flew by. It was a lot busier than I expected. "When we got round to about mile 13 we saw the Help a London Child people cheering us and that was such a boost. At mile 17 the sun burst out and I realised we had quite a few miles to go - that was a bit hard. Finishing felt amazing. We crossed the line together and it felt really good. I was on a high all day."