4 hours 32 minutes and 31 seconds after crossing the start line I completed the 26.2 miles of my first London Marathon!!!

I'm happy to report I finished ahead of most of the fancy dress runners except Banana Man who passed me in the finishing straight, despite my attempts to trip him up.

If you have never done the London Marathon but always fancied doing it, enter the ballot or secure a Charity place like I did because it will be one of the best, albeit painful, experiences of your life. Miles 21 to 24 were desparately hard and without the crowds and all the Jelly Babies they were handing out, I might have contemplated walking. I'm glad to say I didn't stop, other than to give Sarah, Amy and Jessica a kiss and pick up a turkey hat to wear in the last 2 miles as part of ensuring some of the sponsorship monies were paid.

The hat turned out to be a great idea as I got nothing but abuse and jokes thrown at me down the Embankment through Parliament square and up the Mall, which all made the last 2 miles great fun in a masochistic kind of way.

Crossing the finishing line was an amazing feeling, made even better when I think that thanks to all of you and your generosity I have managed to raise over £4000 for Sparks.

Some of you have already asked whether I would run a marathon again and the answer is..... stupidly Yes.... I have entered the ballot for next years Virgin London Marathon and if the body can hold up there might be just a few others along the way.

Thanks once again for all your support.

Matt