A CHARITY in Pembrokeshire has benefited from a huge donation by local people who took part in the London Marathon - both virtually and in the city.

Their sporting efforts have given a boost of more than £12,000 to Paul Sartori Hospice at Home which provides end-of-life care.

One of the marathon participants, Luke Baker, travelled to London to run in memory of his sister who was helped by the charity in her final days.

He also raised funds for Leukaemia UK.

Andrew Rees, a butcher in Narberth, ran his own London Marathon around Ludchurch, Tavernspite, Templeton, Princes Gate and Narberth in memory of his wife Janice, who sadly took her own life earlier this year.

He said:

“I was completely overwhelmed at the support for me both en route and around the town and I would like to thank people for being there to cheer me on, on what was an emotional day - in memory of my wife Janice.

“She would have been there cheering me on from the front.”

Andrew was supported by his sons James and Tomas at the start and his grandsons Jacob and Charlie on the last leg.

Toni-Marie Dorkings, Paul Sartori events co-ordinator, coerced Sue, one of the charity's e-commerce co-ordinators, into walking 26.2 miles between the Snowdrop Lane store and Neyland.

They were astounded by the support they had from both the nursing team and the income generation team who walked with them some of the way along their route.

A spokesperson said that everyone at the charity was extremely grateful.

"Thank you to all who supported all, and for the generous donations that have been received.

"The donations will contribute towards the wide range of services available by Paul Sartori to people living in the final stages of a life-limiting illness in Pembrokeshire.

"These services enable individuals to be cared for and to die at home if that is their choice."