A man from South Woodham Ferrers has raised more than £3,000 for charity by running in the London Marathon

Luke Harper, 34, competed in the marathon last Sunday to raise money for national disability charity Sense.

Mr Harper said he was inspired by his deaf brother-in-law. In total, he managed to raise managed to raise £3,342.

Mr Harper said: “It was amazing to cross the finishing line of the London Marathon and hold the finish medal in my hands.

“All the hard work I’ve put into training has been worth it, because I ran for such a wonderful cause.

“To have raised money for Sense to help them support people with complex communication needs, is incredibly satisfying.

“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the money I’ve raised – I am elated!”

Despite being the hottest London Marathon on record, Luke Harper finished the race in four hours and 57 minutes with his friend Ian Smith.

Sense is a charity that supports people with complex communication needs, including those who are deafblind, to be understood, connected and valued.