TENS of thousands of runners took part in the 39th London Marathon on Sunday including many people from across Dorset.

Molly Burkmar from Bournemouth, was running for her nephew, Oscar Dunkley, who was born with dilated cardiomyopathy, a life-threatening hereditary condition.

She said: “The marathon was physically the hardest thing I’ve ever done but the atmosphere was incredible and I’m so glad I did it.

"Once I’d finished I was so emotional and so proud of myself. I ran for my nephew Oscar, this one was for him, no matter how hard the marathon got he’s been through so much more and that’s what got me to the finish line!”

Leon Lima from Poole who was also running for Cardiomyopathy UK said: "The atmosphere was amazing and I had a great day. Although I’m a little disappointed in my time as I was aiming for sub three hours, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"I was running for my son Luka, as well as my colleague Dan Ferris, who sadly lost his life to cardiomyopathy. I hope this has helped raise awareness of the condition, and helped to support research that can allow people with cardiomyopathy to lead a full life with normal life expectancy.”

Hanna Thorpe of Ferndown was raising money and awareness for UK Charity Astriid – a free online job matchmaking service that connects people living with any long-term illness with businesses who need volunteers or staff.

“We have raised almost £900 for Astriid: the crowds were just fantastic and the atmosphere electric throughout.

“It’s the most humbling experience to hear your name shouted by so many people and my aim was to finish and to enjoy the day, with no time pressure on myself."

Diana Stark, 46, and her 20-year-old son Cameron from Bournemouth, ran in aid of Parkinson's UK and look set to raise in excess of £4,000.

"It was Cameron's first marathon and my second. On marathon day we were placed at different start zones, by chance we managed to find each other when I dropped my water bottle lid and Cam saw me picking it up a few miles into the race and called me, so we had the chance to run together for some miles."

She added: "We choose Parkinson's as it is a charity close to our family's heart. Having seen a family loved one struggle with the condition for many years, it became apparent how cruel this debilitating illness is, the huge impact it has on immediate family and the fact it could happen to anyone at any age."