A RUNNER from Great Sutton was the 907th man to finish the London Marathon in his first-ever attempt.

John Stone’s two-year-old nephew, Luke, has a genetic illness called Polycystic kidney disease.

So despite not being sporty at school, 25-year-old John set himself the task of running in the famous race to raise money for Kids Kidney Research.

Friends and family rallied together and John raised more than £3,000 for the charity.

Luke is on constant medication to regulate his kidneys for as long as possible although they will ultimately need replacing.

His aunty Patricia Mitchell, of Little Sutton, said: “John was never sporty at school and only started training two years ago at Crabwall manor gym. From here he began running and built up his stamina before completing a half marathon. John trained regularly whatever the weather, changed his diet and couldn’t have been more focused. This alongside studying for a PHd at Manchester University and working full time in research.”

John, a former pupil of The Bishops Bluecoat High School in Chester, completed the gruelling race in two hours and 56 minutes, his personal best at the distance.