HALTON fundraisers joined almost 40,000 runners in the London Marathon.

Their efforts have raised thousands of pounds for various charities.

Runcorn MP Graham Evans finished the course in 4 hours 25 minutes, his personal best.

The 52-year-old dad-of-three was tackling the 26-mile route for the fifth time in a row.

“I’m really pleased to have finished the course and with a personal best,” said the Weaver Vale MP.

“There’s a terrific atmosphere with the crowds cheering you on.

“I’m also very proud of my wife who has just completed her first ever marathon.”

Graham raised money for Care after Combat which helps ex-service personnel re-adjust to civilian life.

Widnes dad-of-three Thomas Karaski was inspired by his wife Kristene when he saw her run the London Marathon last year.

“I have said every year that I should run the marathon,” said Thomas.

“As I was watching Kristene I thought that it was an amazing event to be taking part in so I applied and luckily got accepted.”

Thomas, 37, a Royal Mail manager, raised money for The Stroke Association and Willowbrook Hospice.

“What an amazing experience, the crowds were unbelievable,” added Thomas, who completed the marathon in 5 hours 8 minutes.

“It was a day I will never forget.”

Runcorn runner Mike Metcalfe achieved his personal best time of 2 hours 53 minutes coming 1129th out of 39,045 entrants.

“The event was amazing,” said plumber Mike, 26, of Thorn Road.

“The crowds and atmosphere gave me goose bumps.”

Mike wants to thank his 27-year-old girlfriend Hayley Wilkinson for her support.

“She was on the side lines to cheer me on ,” added Mike.

Last year, Mike achieved an incredible feat completing a half marathon and full marathon in Edinburgh in one day.

The former Grange Comprehensive pupil joined Warrington Running Club last year and discovered he was a born elite runner.

His fast time now gives him automatic entry to next year’s London Marathon.

Hayden McCann, owner of Early Learners Nursery on Deacon Road, raised more than £3,000 for Children with Cancer UK.

"The day was amazing," said the 30-year-old of Stratton Park, Widnes, who finished in 4 hours 38 minutes.

"I'd like to thank everyone who sponsored me."