A PROUD dad has spoken of his relief after completing the London Marathon.

Gary Coombes, 46, from Puriton, completed the event in three hours and 52 minutes, in support of the Get Kids Going charity.

Gary said: “It was boiling hot but it was an amazing experience. I felt fine for the first 21 miles but after that I was on autopilot.

“My daughter, Grace, 17, said she has been bombarded with messages on Facebook for her ‘old man’ as she likes to call me.”

Both Gary and fellow runner and family member, Nicola Uminski, have so far raised £1400 for the charity which supports disabled youngsters.

To donate call 07791-861610 or 01278-686287.