Mark Llewellyn, managing director of Revive, completed his third London Marathon this year and raised more than £2,500 for the charity Children with Cancer UK.

Llewellyn, a former professional rugby player, ran his first marathon in 2009. He took part again in 2013 and also ran a number of half marathons including the Great North run four times. Each time he has run in aid of the children’s cancer charity and has raised to date in excess of £25,000.

 “I like to challenge myself in both business and sport," he said. "Running can fit around any schedule. I can set my own goals and find that I do some of my best thinking when I’m pounding the streets.

“I have to say I am hugely inspired by the people of London whose support is incredible and the whole organisation around the London Marathon is quite amazing. Some of the stories during and around the marathon are fantastic and I take my hat off to all the other runners.

“It was a great day but I’m glad it’s over. I managed a little over five hours and am happy, sore, tired and emotional. I have to say that running a marathon is by far the hardest physical thing I have ever done - and that's my third and last. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who sponsored me.”