Now that my legs are working like a normal human being’s again, I thought it was about time I said thank you to those who have played their part.

No, I don’t mean those who helped me cross the finish line – although Kerry White who ran the last 10 miles with me can lay claim to that, and Chris Lennon for the company on long training runs – but everyone who has contributed in some way to the ‘other’ side of what running the London Marathon has been about.

Ultimately, no matter the personal significance of completing 26.2 miles, this has been about raising money for a cause close to my heart and repaying a debt from two years ago.

Thanks to the generosity of family, friends and work colleagues, I have been able to do that for St John Ambulance – so far to the tune of £1,400.

Whatever the final figure – I hope I can reach £1,500 – that will be doubled by my publishing company Archant through match funding.

The £2,800-£3,000 which St John shall receive will make a huge difference to the charity and, fundamentally, save lives through first aid.

I can speak from experience when I say you never quite know when you might need their help, hopefully never, but boy will you be glad that there if such a need arises.

Businesses have also played a crucial role – donating their time, services and products to help me raise more money through my quiz night and charity raffle.

So I would just like to say thank you again to The Victoria in Hitchin for staging the night and donating a prize, as well as cooking meals for a hungry room of quizzers.

But also (in no particular order, it must be stressed!) to the following for their raffle prizes:

• The Wine Society in Stevenage

• Sundown Screens in Hitchin

• Fran Hale at the Copper Beech Art Gallery in Hitchin

• Paul B Edwards at Lastminute Comedy Club

• Mandy Jinkerson from Royston Tesco Extra

• Oli Khan at Surma Takeaway in Stevenage

• Knebworth House

• Broadway Cinema/Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation

• Fitness Hub in Letchworth

• Felix at Farley’s in Hitchin

• Rhythms of the World festival in Hitchin

• Glyn Doggett and David Ephgrave from Mostly Comedy

• North Herts College

With your help and many people’s generosity I sold almost £300 in raffle tickets – that’s £600 in reality – which helped me blow my initial overall fundraising target of £1,800 out the water.

That I’m now in touching distance of reaching £3,000 and have a marathon medal makes me proud, so thank you to all of you that have made that possible.

And you’ll all be relieved to know the constant asking and pleading for donations – my fundraising page is here ;) – will stop.