A north Norfolk man who completed his lifelong goal of running the London marathon has said the experience left him feeling like Sir Mo Farah.
Mitchell Hare, from Holt, was inspired to take part in the 26-mile challenge after losing a friend to suicide.
The 32-year-old bartender, who raised £4,500 for mental health charity Mind, has shared how the experience made him feel.
"The result wasn't what I was expecting," he said.
"I limped in at a time of four hours and 25 minutes.
"But that'll teach me to be too overconfident.
"The result is only 5pc of the marathon experience.
"I basically trained for this from the treatment table and for their help I have to thank Sarah Atkinson, my physiotherapist, and Sophie Buckmaster, my masseuse, for getting me to the day.
"The real prize for me is the gratitude I feel.
"I drew in some help from big names like Manchester United, Norwich City and Johnny Wilkinson but the positive reception I've had from Holt - The Feathers, Holt United, and north Norfolk as a whole - to raise over £4,500 for Mind has been phenomenal and I've very much enjoyed being an ambassador for the charity.
"The last six miles I was in a bad way physically and mentally.
"But the energy of the crowds - you can't deny its power to keep you moving.
"I was moving like a snail but I felt like Sir Mo Farah on that amazing night in 2012 and there was no way I was stopping.
"The last six miles is a metaphor for mental health. When you're struggling and people can see your pain they transfer their positive energy to see you through.
"I definitely won't be selling my medal but I also don't need it, as the medal is between my ears and in my mind, so I've given it to my sister.
"She was there for me in hard times and she took a day off work to support me in London.
"I hope it inspires her or my nephew to take up the challenge.
"I'll get another in 2020.
"Thank you to all."
Do you have an inspiring story in north Norfolk? Email reporter Jessica.Frank-Keyes@archant.co.uk
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