Runners are suffering from blisters, lost toe nails and aching muscles after London Marathon effort

Helen Cruickshanks and pal Tanya Dalton completed the famous 26.2 mile route in four hours and 40 minutes.

Their efforts mean the amount of money raised in baby Macy’s name is close to £40,000 and sponsorship is still flooding in.

Helen, of Leverstock Green, began running following the death of her baby daughter Macy, whose life was cruelly cut short by a heart condition when she was aged just six weeks and one day old.

Along the running route Helen and Tanya were cheered by their family and friends.

Helen said: “I found it really emotional seeing my family there.

“The support along the way was incredible - the crowds were six deep on each side.”

Today the pair are nursing sore muscles and blistered feet.

“Going up and down stairs is hard work,” said Helen, “and we are both suffering from quite nasty blisters on our feet. I have lost a couple of toe nails.”

Money is being raised for Cardiomyopathy UK in Macy’s memory.

>Mum of two Amy Heathfield, ran for The Mental Health Foundation in memory of her uncle Ray Chenery, who passed away in September. She has raised £2,167.

She was injured before the big day and ran while suffering from bursitis. She completed the course in 6:28.

> Richard Stevens, from Hemel Hempstead, completed his first London Marathon in 05:29:35.

>Kelly Byrne and Lee Skilton ran and raised money for SCOPE.

>Benjamin Paul, of Boxmoor, said: “The best experience of my life! 5 hours 19 mins! If I can do it anyone can.”

> Gina Oliver completed the marathon in 5:10 and the Brighton marathon two weeks ago in 4:54. She’s raised £345 for Bliss Baby Charity.

> Dacorum and Tring AC Road Runners had a stellar outing, with nine personal bests, two new club records and 12 well-deserved finishers medals.

First across the line for the club was Andrew Cracknell, who finished in 2:34:37, a personal best by more than two minutes and a new club record for the men’s marathon. Andy was 123rd overall and 105th in his category - and spent much of the race running alongside women’s marathon world record-holder Paula Radcliffe before pulling away to finish two minutes ahead of the former champion.

Others running for the club were Jamie Marlow 2:48:09. Keith Wishart 3:42:27, Heidi Greaves 3:55:22, Jessica Tanner 4:11:54; Louisa Hopper 4:12:28, David Stears 4:15:54, Debbie Kennard 4:14:21, Victoria Thornley, with a debut time of 4:29:54, Rob Deane 4:39:36, Samantha Hawkridge, who overcame a calf injury just 10 miles in to cross the line in 4:47:09; and Anya Higgins 4:55:48.

>12 athletes from the Gade Valley Harriers took part in the famous marathon. First back for the Harriers was Rich Coles in 3:03:17, followed by team mates Gemma Bitaraf 3:19:08, Mikey Ferris 3:22:04, Andy Cook 3:42:38, Andy Norton 3:46:03, Steve Newing 3:49:10, Kate O’Reilly 3:53:56, Suzy Beak 4:18:03, Dave Wise 4:21:33, Rich Peters 4:32:26, Odette Messenger 4:54:56, and Gina Oliver 5:10:32.