A Witney resident who previously worked as a firefighter has achieved a personal milestone by completing the London Marathon on Sunday, April 26, the day after celebrating his 52nd birthday.

Gavin Carter, who secured the £100,000 prize on ITV’s Beat the Chasers competition last summer, accomplished a goal he had pursued for some time when he crossed the finish line of the 26.2-mile event.

The runner described it as one of the best experiences of his life, completing the course in four hours, 35 minutes and 12 seconds, which included stops to refuel along the way.

The event holds special significance for Mr Carter as it falls near his birthday on April 25, and he had attended the marathon as a spectator on numerous previous occasions, often celebrating his special day in the capital.

This year represented his inaugural participation in the race, taking place immediately after his 52nd birthday.

He noted that his preparation had gone exceptionally well, putting him in good stead for the actual event. He had trained up to 22 miles, though the final stretch of four miles and 385 yards proved particularly demanding.

The weather was warm, which he preferred over heavy rainfall. Taking part turned out to be one of the best experiences of his life and he would encourage everyone to give it a go.

Around 60,000 competitors took part in this year’s London Marathon, which also witnessed a new men’s world record when Sabastian Sawe completed the first sub-two-hour marathon in an official competitive race.

With support from his family, Mr Carter ran to raise money for Debra UK, a charity assisting people with epidermolysis bullosa.

As of the time of reporting, he had collected £2,225, with further contributions still being welcomed through the fundraising page.

He said he wanted to thank everyone who donated to this wonderful charity, having now surpassed the £2,000 mark and expecting more to come in.

His connection with the charity followed after seeing former footballer Graeme Souness’s fundraising efforts, and he was moved by the children coping with the condition.

Before the race, he mentioned that when things got tough during the marathon, the former footballer had told him to think of the young children he was supporting.

Mr Carter noted that Graeme Souness had shown tremendous dedication to these children with their illness, instructing him to remember them when the running became difficult.

His marathon appearance came after a year in which he departed from his position with the fire service and won £100,000 on the ITV quiz programme.

He reflected that he had experienced an incredible year, grateful for the chance to properly prepare.

He observed that he did not know how people working standard hours manage to find the time to train for a marathon.