A 52-YEAR-old hotel owner from Burton says his months of training paid off, after completing the London Marathon in just over four hours on Sunday (April 26).

Will Smallman, who owns the Beggars Reach Hotel, was running to raise money for Get Kids Going (GKG) - a charity that helps children and young people with disabilities access sports.

GKG provides young people with specially built sports wheelchairs, and provides grants to help with training, physiotherapy, travel and competition fees to inspire children to compete in sporting events, from early stages up to Paralympic level.

Will was inspired to take on the 26.2-mile challenge after the tragic events at the Boston marathon in 2013, in which three people were killed, and hundreds injured.

Will and his family had been holidaying in the city just days before the incident happened.

Completing the course in 4 hours 11 minutes, Will raised more than £1,100 for GKG, and said the event was an incredible experience.

“The atmosphere on the day was electric and the support from spectators was amazing,” he said.

“The training really paid off and I was overwhelmed with the support and kind messages I received from Beggars Reach staff, customers and suppliers.

“There are lots of local people too numerous to mention that have helped with advice in achieving this goal and I am very appreciative.

“Some of those suppliers have donated raffle prizes and so we are carrying on with the fundraising for a few more weeks to raise even more money for the charity, so there is still time to donate online through Virgin Money Giving or just call in at Beggars Reach to buy a raffle ticket!”

To make a donation, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/ and search ‘Smallman’.