Scott Thornton's priceless marathon experience

“The race is o’er, my own little battle won,” Scott Thornton told family and friends who supported him in his charity run in the 2012 London Marathon in 5 hours 42 minutes. “Not a time to set the heather on fire, admittedly, but in the circumstances a decent achievement,” said the former correspondent and manager, 63 this month.

“The atmosphere was almost indescribable, with 37,500 people running to raise money for countless good causes in a mass sea of colours. Crossing Tower Bridge, just before halfway, and the finishing semi-circle in front of Buckingham Palace are among memories which will live with me forever.”

Former Reuters colleagues Patrick Worsnip and Charles Batchelor were among those cheering on the runners.

Thornton said he ran to show himself he could do it, as a way to get fitter, and to share the priceless experience with daughter Laura who has already run the London Marathon twice.

“But I also ran to raise money for a seriously under-funded charity, ENABLE, which helps adults and children with learning difficulties in Scotland and is the sister charity of Mencap north of the Border.”

Even though the race is over you can sponsor him at www.justgiving.com/scottscotland

PHOTO: Scott Thornton hands over a mock cheque for £1,583 to Jennifer Niven, fundraising manager of the charity ENABLE. ■