A Powys teacher has raised more than £3,500 for the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund – a charity that helped his friend - after completing his first ever London Marathon.

Liam Gregory, 33, who teaches at Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School, was one of around 49,000 runners taking part in the famous 26.2-mile course around the capital in what is believed to be the largest London Marathon in history.

Mr Gregory returned to school on Tuesday (April 25) to a rousing applause from his Year 3 and 4 class who had tried to spot him on television on Sunday. Pupil Noah said he was “really proud” of his teacher representing the school, while Gabi added: “I didn’t know such a great man could run a marathon”.

Mr Gregory, who crossed the finishing line in six hours and five minutes, said: “I’m very, very tired. My legs are hurting quite a lot but the excitement of being back in school with these guys is getting me through the day.

“The first eight miles were a bit of a breeze; I thought it was going too well. Then the second eight miles went by in a flash with lots of people out cheering. I managed to make a friend along the way who helped me through. But then those last eight miles were really, really difficult.

“I was glad that I saw my supporters for the last few miles, that got me through it. Then the feeling going onto The Mall and seeing the finishing line was one that I couldn’t have really dreamt up at all.”

The school held a number of fundraising events to support the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund including taking part in a world record attempt with the TCS Mini Marathon which raised more than £1,000 by pupils, parents, carers and school staff.

Speaking about the support shown by the school, Mr Gregory said: “It’s been amazing. It’s been really overwhelming. Throughout the 26.2 miles those messages and support were constantly in my head just getting me through it. I really, really appreciate it.”

He added: “If you’re thinking of doing it, do it. It’s such a fantastic thing to do. It’s such a fantastic achievement to have. I’ve already signed up for next year so go for it.”

Lorna Tuffin, headteacher, said: “We at Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School are extremely proud of Mr Gregory and everything he has done to raise money for the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund. He is an extraordinary role model for all our children.

“I could not be prouder of the school community that I’m a part of for raising over £1,000 by running the Mini Marathon. We couldn’t ask any more from them.

“On behalf of the school, governors, and everybody here, I would like to say a huge thank you to Mr Gregory for all he has done and also to our school community for everything they have done to raise so much money for such an important fund.”