Three runners have raised more than £5,000 for Watford Mencap by completing this year's London Marathon.

On Sunday Bernie Byers, John Whittle and Jamie Fisher joined more than 36,000 other runners to take on the 26.2 mile challenge.

The charity supports more than 500 people with a learning disability in south west Hertfordshire.

John Whittle, from Ellwood Gardens in Garson, was inspired to run for his sister Sarah, who has a learning disability and has been using Watford Mencap’s services for many years.

He has been supporting both national Mencap and Watford Mencap in his fundraising effort and has so far raised more than £1600.

The 31-year-old, who completed the race in five hours and 28 minutes, said: “I was really ill two weeks before so getting round in one piece was an amazing effort, it was so hard but worth it.”

Bernie Byers, from Bedfordshire, has also completed a half marathon for Watford Mencap last year.

The motivation his fundraising is his sister Patsy, who died in 2009, and had Downs Syndrome.

He has currently raised almost £1500 to support Watford Mencap and completed the race in five hours and 26 minutes.

The 53-year-old said: “The whole day was filled with a sea of emotions, from being bright and sharp at the start to not quite knowing how I was going to get through the last five miles.

“This is by far the toughest challenge I have ever taken on. The great sense of achievement crossing that finish line was immense.”

Jamie Fisher ran the race in memory of his brother Martin, who helped out at Watford Mencap Children’s Centre ten years ago and was a valued member of the volunteer team.

The 38-year-old, from Redbourn, who completed the 2009 Florence Marathon under three hours, crossed the finish line in London in three hours 28 minutes and has managed to raise more than £1850.

To sponsor any of the runners visit the related links below.