A record £51,500 has been raised for Wessex Cancer Support following this year's London Marathon.

The charity had its biggest ever team with 15 runners taking part in the 26.2-mile event on Sunday.

Darren Godbert was one of the runners, raising around £3,600 towards the overall total.

He said: "It still doesn’t feel real. There were moments I didn’t think I could do it. Moments when my legs screamed at me to stop and the finish line felt a lifetime away.

Darren Godbert celebrates after raising £3,600 for Wessex Cancer Support in the London MarathonDarren Godbert celebrates after raising £3,600 for Wessex Cancer Support in the London Marathon (Image: Wessex Cancer Support) "But I kept going, because I wasn’t just running for myself. I was running for every single person who believed in me when I doubted myself. I was running for the incredible Wessex Cancer Support and all the lives they touch.

"I proved to myself that with love, faith and sheer stubbornness we are capable of far more than we ever dare to believe. I’m broken but I’m also full of pride, full of gratitude, full of something I can only call magic."

Sunday’s event set a new world record for the number of finishers - 56,640 runners crossed the line - despite the hot conditions.

Two-time London Marathon runner and Wessex Cancer Support volunteer Paul Thorley supported the charity runners during their training and joined them in the capital with a cheer squad on Sunday.

Nick Lane is pictured with charity supporters Graham Barnetson, left, and Paul Thorley, rightNick Lane is pictured with charity supporters Graham Barnetson, left, and Paul Thorley, right (Image: Wessex Cancer Support) He said: "It was an extraordinary day. I feel so honoured to have been able to go on this incredible journey with them.

"I was so proud to see their months of hard work, training and fundraising come to fruition. Congratulations to you all, enjoy the moment, you deserve it."

The charity has a limited number of golden bond spaces for next year’s London Marathon and is now accepting expressions of interest.

Lorraine White, interim head of community and events fundraising, said: "Everyone associated with Wessex Cancer Support is so proud and grateful to all 15 runners who took part.

Susan Stead completed her 'Six Star' Marathon by finishing with London on SundaySusan Stead completed her 'Six Star' Marathon by finishing with London on Sunday (Image: Wessex Cancer Support) "They absolutely smashed their fundraising target - an amazing achievement by everyone. A huge thanks to Paul too for doing such a great job supporting them all.

"This money will make such a difference to our ongoing efforts to support people living with cancer."