Stevenage runner Daniel Fairbrother, who completed yesterday's London Marathon with a fridge strapped to his back, proposed to his girlfriend during the run.

At mile 25, against the backdrop of Big Ben, Daniel surprised his girlfriend, Hayley Holden, by getting down on one knee and asking her to marry him. 

Unwrapping the engagement ring from some toilet roll, Daniel told her: "When you find someone like you, who's happy to support me and encourage me to grow, I need to make sure that you're around."

To cheers from the crowd, an emotional Hayley happily accepted his proposal.

Daniel had hoped to break the world record for the fastest marathon while carrying a household appliance, which stands at four hours, 52 minutes and 10 seconds. 

Having completed the London Marathon in five hours 59 minutes, Daniel may not have broken the record, but he has raised more than £12,000 for Diabetes UK.

Running around with a fridge is not for the faint-hearted. Nicknamed Tallulah, Daniel's fridge weighs almost 26 kilograms, and he had to adapt his body to running with the added weight and bulk, as well as contend with pain in his knees and lower legs.

The 34-year-old took on the unusual running challenge for his best friend, Sam Wilson, who lives with type 1 diabetes.

The pair have known each other for 15 years, and Diabetes UK is "close to Sam’s heart", Daniel said.

Daniel attempted a charity run last year but, after raising just £30, said he decided to think of something "bigger and crazier to raise lots of charity money", adding "that was my promise to Sam".

Daniel's marathon training did not always go smoothly, including when he was mistaken for a thief by police.

A few days before the London Marathon, Daniel was bedridden, having been struck down by a sickness bug.

He spent the night before the marathon in A&E with Hayley, who he said "was so ill" with the same bug.

Daniel, who works in sales, took up running two-and-a-half years ago. He said: "I love running and I would love to be able to spread the positive message to the world about running.

"Running boasts so many physical and mental health benefits, everyone should be doing it.

"It changed my life, and I know it will help so many others."

You can still support Daniel by making a donation at justgiving.com/fundraising/danielfairbrother-coolrunnings.