Clandown resident, Dave Plummer, has successfully completed the New York Marathon earlier this month in memory of his wife, Ann, who passed away in September.

Dave’s time of 4 hours, 21 minutes and seven seconds was slower than he had hoped for, but was never-theless in the top 40% of finishers.

He said: “It was a tough course, and not entirely flat. During the last three miles in Central Park, I developed a blister-like callous on the sole of my foot. It was painful and slowed me down. I kept thinking of Ann’s words: ‘I want you to run for me – just get round – the time doesn’t matter.”

Dave found the marathon a fulfilling and moving experience. He said: “Over 50,000 runners took part, and it was by far the biggest race I have experienced.

“It started in Staten Island, and from there you ran through the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan, finishing in Central Park.

“The crowd support along the route was fantastic. I had my name on the front of my vest and with Ann’s photo on the back, it meant I received much vocal support.”

“New York is an amazing city, and Ann would have loved it. I got lost a few times and boarded the wrong subway train on two occasions.

“I missed her throughout my stay, especially at the end of the marathon, where she would have been waiting for me at the finish.”

Finally, Dave wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind messages of support since Ann passed away.

Funeral donations, including his participation in the marathon, totalled £400 for the RUH Chaplaincy

Remembrance Fund.

Dave added: “The money will go towards the purchase of a much-needed new altar for the RUH Chapel.”