A boxing coach and fire-fighter from South Oxhey said he was not affected by the heat at Sunday's London Marathon, despite turning up in jogging bottoms and a woolly hat.

John Sheppard, who has previously run in two New York Marathons, completed the 26.2 mile run in four hours 20 minutes.

The South Oxhey Amateur Boxing coach said: “It was nice and cool leading up to the start and I had a pair of jogging bottoms, woolly hat and sweat top on which was disposed of just before the start.

“The gun went off and it took me about six minutes to get to the start. It seemed like everyone was sprinting to win it, but I started off comfortably and felt fine.

“I was got to 10km (6.2 miles) in 48 minutes which was a good pace, I felt I could go faster but experience told me to slow down .

“At mile 15 my left hamstring got tight so I had a good stretch and carried on at still a good pace, thinking of getting under four hours.”

In 2003 he raised more than £5,000 for Cancer Research, and split a similar amount between Children with Leukaemia and Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2006.

This year, the Luton-based fireman was inspired to run again after the tragic death of his daughter Amy, and the ongoing medical care of his son Sam, who were both born prematurely last June.

Mr Sheppard said: “The crowd were brilliant cheering my name all the way. The worse part of the race was just after 19 to 20, my leg started to lock up and I thought if my hamstring goes now I won't finish the race.

“I had a good stretch plenty of water some gel packs and decided not to stop but keep moving. I adjusted my running and had a slow next three miles. The lift I got seeing 800 metres with all the crowd cheering, and knowing the finish was soon was great .

“The whole experience was emotional in places, seeing pictures of children on parents vests with RIP underneath, which was inspired me to raise more money for my causes.”

Many runners found this year's marathon tough due to blistering temperatures and lack of wind.

Mr Sheppard said: “I saw lots of people collapsing all around me and would not be surprised if someone was seriously ill on that run.

“Did the weather affect me? I don't think so, if it had been raining the crowd would not have turned out. Along with them, thinking of little Amy got me round.”

You can sponsor Mr Sheppard by telephoning him on 07788 872945, or by visiting the related link below.

He added: “I want to give the money straight to the nurses on the wards because they know where it needs to go.

“I've seen nurses having to share a chair or not having enough bottle warmers and it's things like that I'd like to provide.”