DENNIS Dudley, 49, of Kenwood Road, Corringham, has raised more than £18,000 for St Luke's Hospice in Basildon over six years by running the marathon.

However, this year's run has taken on a new significance for Dennis and his family after the hospice cared for his father-in-law Bill Girling, 78, in the final days of his battle with cancer.

He said: "They not only cared for Bill in an unbelievable way, but also for his family."

To sponsor Dennis visit, www.justgiving.com/denboydudley