Extraordinary runners who ran the Virgin Money London Marathon in aid of The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) have been recognised for their efforts.

A special reception for the runners, organised by fundraising manager Helen Knight, was held to honour the 18 fundraisers who took part in the race for the hospital in April.

Rosemary Clarke and David Harbinson hosted the event at Bryncelyn Garden, a National Garden Scheme (NGS) garden in Llanfyllin, near Oswestry.

Trust chairman Frank Collins and chief executive Mark Brandreth also attended the reception to personally thank the runners.

Mr Collins, a former marathon runner himself, said: “Running a marathon is an enormous personal achievement, and on behalf of the Trust I want to say a huge thank you and well done to all the runners.

“We’re delighted so many members of the public and our own members of staff decide to raise funds for RJAH.”

Mr Brandreth added: "Our runners have done a brilliant job and together almost £35,000 has been raised so far.

“The funds raised will go into our wider charitable funds post, which is used to fund projects across the hospital to support patient care and improve staff services.”

Three members of RJAH staff – Adam Heathfield, therapy support worker, Jodie Rogers, senior radiographer and Hannah Richards, spinal injuries sister – ran the marathon and collectively raised more than £6,800

Other runners included Craig Nicolls, a contracts manager who has already signed up for the 2020 race to raise further funds for RJAH; Joel Bishton, the first RJAH runner to cross the finish line in three hours,15 minutes and 18 seconds and Paige Lloyd, the top fundraiser for team RJAH who raised almost £3,015 – more than double of the target fundraising amount.

Helen added: “Well done to all our marathon runners, who not only accomplished such a big achievement, but also raised an amazing amount of money for RJAH.

“I’d also like to thank the NGS, Rosemary and David for hosting our thank you ceremony at Bryncelyn – I’m sure everyone who attended would agree that it was a fabulous evening.”