Damian's marathon dream comes true

2:02pm Sunday 8th June 2008

A whopping £5,000 was raised by a solo runner from Creselly in his long-awaited London Marathon bid this year.

Raising funds for a cause close to his heart, Damian Arthur, 29, completed the 26.2 mile course in just four hours and five minutes, in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC).

The determined Cresselly cricketer inspired friends, family and local businesses and managed to smashed his fundraising target for MS sufferers, including his father-in-law, who has had he condition for the past five years.

Damian said: "It took a few years to get a place in the marathon, but in the end I was offered a place by the charity I was running for.

"It was quite hard going but it was a great day and I had family and friends up to support me."

He added: "I will definitely be doing it again, hopefully next year."

The MSRC charity held a place in the race for Damian on the condition that he raised at least £2,500 in sponsorship. With generous contributions from his community and businesses- including Ian Harries and Co., Alliance Lifting, Dyrham Service Station, Saundersfoot Rotary Club, The Beauty Lounge in Haverfordwest and customers at Kilgetty Pharmacy and M. J. Parry and Co. -Damian was able to surpass all expectations.

"I am especially grateful to all my sponsors and supporters", said Damian.

"It was a family effort and we managed to raise much more than we imagined thanks to the generosity of local people."