Popular Cresselly cricket captain, Lyn Richards, has handed over a cheque for £4,150.70 to Macmillan Cancer Relief after completing the London Marathon. The 37-year-old cricketer raised the money as a result of sponsorship donations and fund-raising through family and friends in Pembrokeshire, his colleagues in the Environment Agency Wales, and he also had terrific support from Pembrokeshire's sporting community. Speaking to Observer Sport, Lyn said: "To be honest it's something I've always wanted to do. Over the years I have watched it on television, saying to myself I'll have a go at that next year. This year I decided to give it a go. "It also gave me the motivation to get away from my winter 'couch potato' lifestyle, and get out and run at least 20 miles per week, normally on cold winter mornings at 6 am. I injured my knee three weeks prior to the race whilst training, which prevented me doing any running during those three weeks. I took a couple of Cresselly team-mate Ryan Lewis's 'horse tablets' before running which helped!" Continuing, Lyn said: "Due to the number of people running, I couldn't run at my own pace for at least 13 miles, as it was literally shoulder to shoulder. I jogged without stopping for 21 miles, then between a combination of my knee and being completely knackered, I hobbled the last five miles." Lyn only started running in January and with the benefit of hindsight does not think that three months training from scratch was long enough. Penelope Meyrick and Marian Hutton, of the Saundersfoot/Tenby District Committee of Macmillan Cancer Relief, congratulated Lyn and thanked him for running for Macmillan, a charity that relies on voluntary donations and provides free services to cancer patients and their families. Penelope Meyrick explained that as a result of gift aid and additional donations, the amount raised by Lyn Richards will top the £5,000 figure. Lyn has had a good all round season with bat and ball for Cresselly in both league and cup competitions. Apart from his personal performances, he had the distinction of leading his team to victory in the recent Graham Jewson Harrison-Allen Bowl Cup Final at Cresselly where he was nominated man-of- the-match. In addition, in the Dragon Sports Pembroke County Cricket League, he has led Cresselly into second place in the Division One table. During his younger days, he played football regularly for Lawrenny. In conclusion, Lyn said: "Participating was an absolutely fabulous experience and the feeling of achievement on crossing the line was unbelievable. The support I had from friends, work colleagues and fellow sportsmen and women was superb and, knowing I had over £4,000 pledged, it put a fair amount of pressure on me to complete the marathon. That is why, if I ever did it again, I'd probably enjoy it more, because I know what to expect and I'd train a little longer then this time. I have got to admit my improved fitness has certainly helped my cricket this year.