Richard Bernstein and Darren Brown had a powerful family reason to run for Jewish Care. They wanted to thank the charity for the care their grandmothers received at the charity's Vi and John Rubens home in Redbridge.

For Mr Bernstein, 37, his participation was particularly poignant as his grandmother, Becky Lewis, had died the previous week, aged 98. It made him "even more determined to raise money because the home was so great at taking care of her. My grandpa's 102 and he's in the same home. I value Jewish Care and it's really nice to be able to give something back."

Three years ago, Mr Brown, 38, ran in thanks for the care provided for his late grandmother, Lilly Brown. This time, he wanted to express appreciation for what the Rubens home continues to do for his other grandma, Lilly Ezekiel. "And this was my last opportunity to do it before I move with my family to Cancun."

Mr Bernstein came home in 3:05, missing the offer of an automatic spot in the next two marathons by the narrowest of margins. "They call it 'good for age' entry. It's under 3:05 for men. I missed it by two seconds, which my wife was very happy about. She was very supportive, but it takes so much time training and getting sponsorship." The duo raised a combined £3,300 towards the charity's £12,000 marathon total.