"It was an experience I’ll never forget!" Incredible grandad from Pontefract completes London Marathon

Neil Roberts, who is a driver for the Wakefield-based procurement YPO, participated in one of the world’s most high-profile sporting events, last Sunday (April 21).

The annual event saw over 53,000 runners take to the streets of London, passing by the capital’s best landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf.

On completing the marathon, in an impressive time, Neil said: “I finished the London marathon in four hours and 53 minutes, which I’m really pleased with.

"It was an experience I’ll never forget. The atmosphere was amazing and despite some tough moments, the support from my family, friends and work colleagues was unbelievable. A huge incentive was knowing my family were at Blackfriars bridge and that drove me onto the finish line."

By completing the gruelling 26.2 miles, Neil raised vital funds for the UK’s leading children’s charity, the NSPCC.

He continued: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who have donated and supported me. So far, over £2,100 has been raised for the NSPCC and it’s still increasing – especially as I finished it! I received a lot of messages saying well done and I was even seen on TV crossing the finishing line!”

“I recovered and put my feet up at home on the Monday before returning to work on Tuesday, and I really appreciated the kind words I got when I walked through the door!”

"The experience will stay me for a lifetime, I’m not sure if I’ll do it again but never say never!