A novice runner has raised money for a Letchworth based charity despite damaging his hamstring 10 days before the race.

David Wallace, 43, of Shenley Road, in Borehamwood ran the London Marathon in 3 hours and 44 minutes and raised around £2,100 for Herts MS Therapy Centre.

The charity supports sufferers of multiple sclerosis and other debilitating long term conditions throughout Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

Mr Wallace said: “It was the first marathon I have done and I would definitely do it again.

“The training went really well but 10 days before the race I pulled my hamstring and could not run.

“I was hoping to finish it around 3 hours 30minutes but I felt my hamstring pulling at around the mile 18 mark so I shortened my strides.

“I am delighted with my time. I have raised more than £2,000 for the charity. The crowd was amazing.”

Mr Wallace decided to raise money for Herts MS Therapy Centre as he knew a friend who suffered from MS and thought it was the right thing to do.

The London taxi driver was one of seven people running for the centre and a total fundraising stands at £14,000.