DEDICATED runners handed over more than £23,000 to the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust after completing the London Marathon.

The 13 marathon runners completed their journey of training, fundraising and running the 26.2 mile race through London's city centre by handing over their donations.

Director of fundraising at the hospice Caroline Nickinson said: "This year is the biggest amount of runners we have ever had.

"We were delighted with the number of people that came forward to run the marathon and the efforts they went to getting fundraising."

She added: "A lot of people have very personal reasons for wanting to fundraise for the charity and they all did so well."

There were 15 runners taking part in the marathon this year for the hospice but two had to drop out due to injury.

This year Echo sports reporter Adam Summers ran with his father John and his brother Jonathan in memory of Teresa Summers and Shirley Gomm, who both died of cancer last year.

They exceeded all expectations and raised more than £9,000 by holding charity events including a cheese and wine evening and a silent auction with sports memorabilia and gaining sponsorship.

Adam said: "We just want to thank everybody for their support - we could not have done it without them.

"We were running for a special cause and hopefully we will be running again next year."

Weldmar Hospicecare Trust is currently taking in applications for the 2009 marathon due to a change in entry procedures. Contact 01305 215315.