LONDON: Gallant Ipswich fundraiser Carl Day was today nursing several cuts and bruises after completing the London Marathon – in a suit of armour.

The 43-year-old joined hundreds of competitors from the county for the 30th event in the capital.

Nearly 37,000 competitors took part in the race around the streets – including the usual smattering of celebrities from EastEnders actors to a member of the Royal Family.

Princess Beatrice became the first Royal to take part in the event as part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin team.

But no-one tried harder than Mr Day, of Purdis Farm who pounded the course dressed in armour – part of which dates back 500 years!

He knew he would not be among the early finishers – but he was delighted to finish in a gruelling 11 hours and 20 minutes. He also made his �10,000 target for the British heart Foundation.

“I went a little bit quicker than thought!” he said. “My suit weighed about six stone. I tried to run, but the suit started to disintegrate.

“I was really struggling at Canary Wharf and got cramp in both my legs.

“But I did the last ten miles with a soldier who was wearing a 110lb backpack and we helped each other along.”

In total, there were 18 new world records including fastest cartoon character, super hero and leprechaun, as well as tallest costume.

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson, who took over sponsorship of the event this year, finished a second behind Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia in five hours, two minutes and 24 seconds.

Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede was the first man home in two hours, five minutes and 19 seconds – nine seconds outside the course record. Liliya Shobukhova became the first Russian woman to win the event in two hours, 22 minutes.

n Did you take part in the London Marathon? How much did you raise? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

n Helen’s delight – page 35