A BUYERS assistant from Witham ran the London Marathon in memory of her late grandmother.

Natalie McLagan, 24, completed the run on April 24 in four hours and eighteen minutes supporting the British Heart Foundation, so far she has raised £1,600 for the charity.

She was inspired to take part after being impressed with the atmosphere when watching her friend run in 2015 and wanted to raise money for the charity after losing her grandmother to a heart condition.

Natalie said: "Everyone doubted me saying I wouldn't be able to do it as I have never been one for exercising, but I was up for the challenge to prove them wrong.

"In September when I started I struggled to even run a mile.

"I was aiming to do it under 5 hours but I think it was the atmosphere of the crowd that kept me going and made me run quicker along the way.

"It's a charity I feel very strongly about and hope the money I have raised will help to make a difference."

Natalie's Just Giving page can be found at: www.justgiving.com/Natalie-Mclagan.