# Nicola Blake completed the marathon in 5:07, despite needing medical attention several miles from the finish. Nicola, of Chapel Drive in Arlesey, said: I had to stop at about 19 miles for a massage from a medic on my legs because they went into spasm.

# Nicola Blake completed the marathon in 5:07, despite needing medical attention several miles from the finish.

Nicola, of Chapel Drive in Arlesey, said: "I had to stop at about 19 miles for a massage from a medic on my legs because they went into spasm.

"Three weeks before the big day I got an injury, but I was determined to do it, even if I had to walk."

Nicola raised just over £3,000 for the MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth GC and Macmillan Cancer Support.

# Sami Colvin, licensee of La Concha wine bar in Station Place, Letchworth GC, raised £3,650 for Everyman - a charity which funds research into prostate and testicular cancer.

The 34-year-old completed the run in 4:58 and said: "I had my name printed on the front of my shirt so the crowd were shouting my name. It was such a fantastic atmosphere."

# Sam Maguire, from St Paul's Walden, raised £2,800 for charity Meningitis Research Foundation.

Sam, 24, and friend Pete Shutt finished in 4:35.

Sam suffered from meningitis as a child and knows how devastating the disease can be.

Sam said: "The marathon was an amazing experience - the buzz on the day was fantastic and the crowd really kept us going despite the bad weather."

# FOUR members of Hitchin-based triathlon club FVS TRI tackled the London Marathon.

First home in 2:57:30 was Gavin May. Marathon first timer Greg Evans recorded 3:34:25 and Steve Mussett 4:46:09. Also finishing was Pete Bardell (see facing page).