A CARING friend who put himself through a gruelling 26 mile marathon to raise money for the Down's Syndrome Association has managed to raise well over his target amount.

Ben Fitzgerald, 29, of Manningtree Road, South Ruislip, decided to take part in the New York Marathon on Sunday (1) after his close friends' baby was born with Down's syndrome.

This was the first ever marathon and charity event he has taken part in and he managed to complete it in four hours and 28 minutes, so far raising more than £3,000 – beating his target of £2,000.

To sponsor him go to www.justgiving.com/Ben-Fitzgerald/ and for more information go to www.maisieturner.com