Marathon effort from Ashley and Amber

Only Ashley and Amber actually ran it however - the rest were for encouragement and support.

Ashley said: "We got a coach in the end. It started off with all the families but then everyone wanted to come so we needed to organise a coach."

The runners want to thank all their sponsors for helping raise over 3,000 for the Sara Lee Trust, and all 47 people who came to cheer them off from the start line.

"It was great," said Ashley, "It really was.

"To be fair there is so much pressure up to the day, with worrying about the coach, everyone being there, and making sure you have got your money, that it is a relief to get it all down and completed well."

He and Amber, who are neighbours in Potmans Lane, decided to support Sara Lee Trust on this occasion having supported Macmillan Cancer Trust when they ran a half-marathon.

"You do meet some lovely people on the way - all different levels, with some athletes, some just there for the day out, some dressed up in costumes.

"It is fantastic. I recommend it to anyone."