RUNNERS from across Gwent travelled to London to take on its world renowned marathon.

More than 40,000 runners braved the heat to take part in the Virgin Money London Marathon on what was expected to be one of the hottest on record.

The Queen started the event from Windsor Castle at 10am by pressing the traditional red button to send the elite men’s race across the start line.

Amongst the runners from Gwent was Pontypool woman Jenny Bradfield who ran to raise money for Children with Cancer UK.

The local government officer, from Wainfelin, is a regular at Cwmbran’s park run and has completed five half-marathons but this was her first full marathon.

She has also become a core volunteer with the Cwmbran C25K group to support people with the desire to participate in running.

Retired Newport dentist Paul Williams, 70, ran the marathon for a second time along with his sons Tim and Dan.

The trio ran the marathon 10 years ago to mark Mr Williams' 60th year and to raise money Diabetes UK, and this year they ran for Motor Neurone Disease Association.

They chose the charity after a family friend recently died from the condition.

Mr Williams said the soaring temperatures meant they did not hit their target times, but said it was another memorable occasion.

"It's such a marvellous occasion," said Mr Williams.

"The organisation is tremendous and the crowds are so supportive all the way around.

"It is quite inspiring to receive that support."

He completed the race in four hours and 47 minutes.

Mark Alford, from St Julians in Newport, completed the race in around five hours and 30 minutes in aid of Lupus UK.

He also said it was hard going in the heat but praised the atmosphere.

"The experience is something I will never forget," said the 52-year-old.

Sharon Carrafa, 43, from Fleur-de-lis, Caerphilly, raised over £2,800 for Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity when she completed the 26.2 mile challenge in 4 hours 31 minutes.

And Helen Steele, from Chepstow raised £3,000 in support of British Heart Foundation.

She took on the challenge in support of the work the charity is doing to roll out CPR training in schools and accessibility of defibrillators.

Mrs Steele, who works for Airbus, a charity partner of the BHF, said she has lucky not to have been touched by heart disease but has learnt a lot about the research and work of the charity since it became the company’s charity partner.