A HEADMASTER gave his son top marks for completing this year's London Marathon - and raising £1,100 for the Blackburn Arthritis Care Group.

John Gosling, headteacher at Witton Park High School, Blackburn, applauded his son Daniel's efforts, after watching him run from the sidelines with his wife, Maureen.

John said: "I'm extremely proud that Daniel has run the marathon and finished it, and also because he's raised such a large amount of money for a very worthwhile cause. It is always nice to raise money for a local charity rather than a national one."

Daniel, 24, is a quantity surveyor for Darlington-based Taylor Woodrow Construction, and has been running since he was 10. He said: "I had always fancied doing the marathon and I wanted to do something for a local charity. I picked the Blackburn Arthritis Care Group, as my Dad's school is involved with the charity."

Daniel trained for three months before the marathon and he was running up to 30 miles a week and 20 miles at weekends. He managed to complete the marathon in four and a half hours.

He raised £600 from sponsors, including family and friends, and his employers donated £500, bringing his total to £1,100.

Daniel added: "I was really pleased to finish the marathon and raise so much money for the Blackburn Arthritis Care Group, and the money from my employers made a big difference."

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