INSPIRING stories of charity and compassion continue to flood in from Suffolk today after the London Marathon.

INSPIRING stories of charity and compassion continue to flood in from Suffolk today after the London Marathon.

Two close friends - Abby Powlett and Julie Dorling - completed the 26.2mile run in aid of World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) after losing relatives to the disease.

The pair, who work for Suffolk County Council, were cheered on by their families and have raised �3,300 for WCRF.

Abby, 31, who completed the race in four hours and 32 minutes, said: “Both of us have been affected by cancer and we have lost relatives, most recently my nan.”

Julie, 45, completed the run in 5hrs and 12mins. She added: “Running this marathon is so important to me because of my wonderful dad, who I miss dearly.

“Cancer is just one of the many things he bravely faced. I am also remembering close family members, most recently Jeannie Rednapp and dear friend Rick Tovell, all who battled cancer with such courage and dignity.”

The charity was also helped out by Susanne Bache, the deputy headteacher at Stoke High School in Ipswich, who finished in around four-and-a-half hours.

The 52-year-old from Framlingham has raised �2,000 and said: “At school we have always been involved in many fundraising events and because of that I've always wanted to do something like this for cancer research.

“I was so pleased with how it all went. Physically I felt really good and I will definitely be doing another one! I think it's really important to get the message out there that living a healthy lifestyle, eating well and getting lots of exercise can help decrease your risk of cancer.”

Meanwhile, a former soldier went the extra mile to help his old colleagues by raising �4,500 for the Help for Heroes campaign.

Darren Aitchison, who lives with his wife and four children in Constable Road, Felixstowe, had never done a marathon before but ran it in an impressive 4hrs and 11mins.

Mr Aitchison, 39, said: “I was aiming to do it in under four hours but the heat got to me towards the end. I enjoyed it, though.”

People can donate to Darren's cause via www.justgiving.com/darren-h4h-marathon.

To sponsor Abby and Julie or Susanne, or to find our more about WCRF, visit www.wcrf-uk.org/sponsor

What was your marathon experience? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk