South Hams runners travelled to the capital last weekend for the annual celebration of blood, sweat, tears and charity fundraising known as the London Marathon.

Ivybridge and South Brent were well represented among the more than 40,000 runners who took part in this year’s event. And particpants from the area have shared their experiences of the day, with all its ups and downs.

Ivybridge dentist Peter Reville was delighted to complete the 26.2 mile course in just four hours and three minutes - against doctor’s orders. His wife Katie said he was "on beta blockers and had been advised by his cardiologist not to do it".

Pete reported the atmosphere was amazing and the crowds really spurred him on, particularly around mile 20 when his legs felt like lead.

He has raised more than £1,700 for Trevi House in Plymouth, which provides a unique, residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation service to women, allowing them to keep their children with them through treatment. Ivybridge mum and Trevi chief executive Hannah Shead said on Monday: "Pete’s done an excellent job. We’re all really grateful for his efforts and the amazing amount he’s managed to raise. We all hope he’s not too sore today."

Pete himself said: "Thanks to everyone who sponsored me and for all the encouragement during the training. I enjoyed the experience but won’t be doing it again in a hurry."

Another Ivybridge runner, Plymouth University student Harriett Pope cruised round the course in six hours, one minute and 24 seconds, barely appearing to break a sweat. But things have not always been so easy for the brave student, who was diagnosed with scoliosis, abnormal twisting and curvature of the spine that can cause great pain, as a young girl.

Aged just 12, Harriett underwent major corrective surgery, leaving her with two rods and 12 pins in her back. The surgery was a success, although she still has a 17 degree curve in her spine.

Harriett believes that without the life changing treatment, she might not be walking today, let alone running the London Marathon.

The day after the race she was still on a high. She said: "It was an absolutely fantastic day, I honestly enjoyed it so much.

"I have now raised more than £2,500 for the Scoliosis Campaign Fund and I honestly could not be prouder. I have felt a bit sore today, but that was expected!"

James Trenchard, who works at Essential Adventure in Ivybridge’s Glanvilles Mill, completed the marathon for Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity. Sands helps support those who have lost a child or children, and James’ mother gave birth to his stillborn sister a year before he was born.

He said: "As you can appreciate, something like this stays with those affected for their whole lives."

James has raised more than £1,300 for the charity, with more expected, but was almost prevented from taking part altogether by an injury in the run up to the marathon.

Despite only being able to run a total of seven miles in the final four weeks before the event, James pushed through with the help of the "absolutely incredible" crowd and his desire to raise as much as possible for Sands. He hopes to raise even more for the charity through a Facebook auction this week.