This was my eighth Flora London Marathon for The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre of Colchester.

My previous best in the Flora London Marathon was three hours 32 minutes and this year I was aiming forthree hours 20, but in January I damaged my back.

After two months of physio I had just about got moving when I had a bad fall with even worse damage. The result was, without serious training for three months, I jogged around London in fours hours and three minutes, with my back hurting with every step.

Did I ever wish I had stayed in bed? Not for one minute.

The atmosphere, the crowds cheering and the wonderful reception I got from the MS Resource Centre at the end made it all worthwhile.

I am still accepting donations of coins and banknotes - current or obsolete, British or foreign - in my shop.

  • John Trory, Valelink Ltd, 26 Queen's Road, Brighton

I ran the London Marathon in three hours 28 minutes and came 396 out of the 10,854 women who completed it.

This was the first marathon I have run and whilst I found it an amazing experience it was also the most painful and gruelling thing I have ever put myself through. I trained really hard for three months and have run practically every day for the past three years, but the heat made it much more difficult.

I was overcome by so many different emotions during the race. The support from people you have never met is overwhelming and I honestly think that is what keeps you going.

My husband Dave, daughters Keeley and Ellie, my brother Spencer, sister-inlaw Nic and mum Diane, managed to be at four stages of the course to cheer me on and it was wonderful to see familiar faces in the crowd.

I have been completely overwhelmed by the support of my friends and family and thank them all. I raised more than £370 for the Tommy's baby charity.

  • Candice Knights, Burlington Gardens, Portslade