AN OAKLEY GP has raised more than £5,000 for charity after completing the London Marathon.

Dr Laurie Whittome, of Oakley Medical Practice, was a total novice to long-distance running when she started training in December 2019 and was disappointed when the 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

COVID infection and a biking injury were setbacks she encountered as she prepared for this year's event but her 17-week training programme started with short jogs round Pitreavie playing fields while her daughter was at football training.

Her aim was to be fit enough to complete and even enjoy the 26.2-mile run and she did just that, clocking a time 5:00.46, raising cash for Team Marie Curie.

Laurie said: "I have loved the whole experience and learned such a lot. I am so grateful for all the support I have received along the way, including gems of wisdom from all kinds of people, donations of books and cakes for sales in Oakley and money donations.

"The atmosphere in London on the day was unbelievable and seeing my family cheering along the way was extra special.

"I was honoured to run for Team Marie Curie, whose work in supporting many of our patients and their families is invaluable.

"It has absolutely cemented my thought that ‘If you believe you can then you will’. With self-belief, anything is achievable and I’d urge anyone to go for it!"