Marie Thomas (nee Fanus) who hails from Pentlepoir successfully completed her first London Marathon on Sunday.

Marie, who has just turned 40, was running to raise money for Diabetes UK.

“As a headteacher of two schools in Herefordshire, we have been supporting two pupils with Type 1 Diabetes and have seen the impact it has on them and their families,” explained Marie, daughter of Richard and Josie Fanus, of Pentlepoir.

“They have been fortunate to be able to use the new pump and scanner which means they no longer have to take blood samples up to five times a day or inject insulin,” continued the former Pentlepoir and Greenhill School pupil.

“With family members being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, I wanted to thank Diabetes UK for the support and advice they have provided and help them in their quest to improve care and ultimately the prevention of diabetes.

“Through the Just Giving website, I have raised £2,300 for Diabetes UK with help from friends, family and organisations such as the Freemasons Lodge in Narberth, who kindly donated £500 to the charity.”

Marie crossed the red carpet finish line in what she describes as ‘a very slow six hours 30 minutes, after my hips and back gave up the fight around mile 18/19.”

Marie, however, described the whole experience as ‘brilliant.’

“The crowds were amazing and really did give you a lift when you needed it,” she said. “I had my name on my t-shirt and so complete strangers were shouting my name and words of encouragement - it was like being a celebrity!”

If anyone would like to support Diabetes UK, please visit Marie Thomas’s London Marathon Just Giving page.