A host of fundraisers from across the borough of Barnet donned their running shoes to take part in the London Marathon in sweltering heat on Sunday.

Temperatures soared to 73F (22C) during the gruelling 26.2 mile annual run.

Mario Culora, 32, of The Walk, Potters Bar, ran for Cancer Research UK in memory of his mother-in-law, Maria Federico, who died of the disease in September, aged 56.

Mr Culora, a manager at RBC Bank, in Queen Victoria Road, London, finished in 4hr 1min and has so far raised around £7,000 for Cancer Research UK.

He said: "It was quite emotional and I felt like I was being guided along by my mother-in-law.

"She would no doubt be very proud of me for doing the marathon, and the atmosphere was amazing."

Chris Wong, 44, of Milton Road, Mill Hill, raised around £2,500 towards the £85,000 cost of renovating an organ at St Paul's Church, in The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, for which she is fundraising co-ordinator.

Cheered on by husband Michael, 41, and daughters Imogen and Sophie, she completed the distance in 5hr 15min.

Mrs Wong said: "The heat obviously took its toll, but the support of the crowd and the buzz of the day was so fantastic that it really guided you along, and I'm pleased to have raised so much money."

Company director Mike Guida, 35, of Calvert Road, High Barnet, has so far raised about £1,750 for The Samaritans, finishing the run in 3hr 50min.

Mr Guida, who is managing director of business transfer agents Forum, in High Street, High Barnet, said: "I was well chuffed with the time, as it was my first marathon, and if it hadn't been so hot I think I could have done it even quicker. It was a terrific experience and a fantastic atmosphere."

Lewis Monk, 25, of The High Street, Mill Hill, was also running his first marathon and was very pleased with his time.

Supported by girlfriend Charlotte Jones, 24, he finished in 4hr 10min and raised more than £1,700 for disabled charity John Grooms.

Paul Cohen, 40, of Wentworth Road, Golders Green, raised a staggering £30,000 for disability charity Jewish Blind & Disabled.

Mr Cohen finished in 4hr 14min. "It was absolutely amazing," he said, "the best thing I have ever done."

Jeremy Miller, 25, whose parents live in Chandos Road, Borehamwood, travelled from Israel, where he is studying at university in Tel Aviv, to take part in the marathon.

He raised about £2,600 for the British Friends of Boys Town Jerusalem, which has an office off Station Road, Edgware, and supports youngsters who come from financially or socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

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