It was one of the toughest London Marathons in its history, but there are many people in Oxfordshire looking back with pride at their efforts on Sunday.

The memories of their amazing achievements will last far longer than the soreness in their legs or the blisters on their feet.

And some of our readers who completed the course in soaring temperatures have emailed us their pictures of their proud day.

Among them is Paul Allday from Oxford who completed the marathon in six hours and 10 minutes.

He said: "I would like to thank everyone who supported me and sponsored me in raising £1,200 for charity.

"The day was totally overwhelming with the crowd and runner support - although I said that I would never do this again I have not hung my running shoes up just yet."

Mr Allday was raising money for Phab kids which aims to promote and encourage people with and without physical disabilities to come together on equal terms.

As well as the runners themselves, hundreds of charities are thousands of pounds better off thanks to all the money raised on Sunday.

Jane Bishop, from Cassington, a member of Eynsham Road Runners, completed the course in five hours and 36 minutes, raising money for Victa (Visually impaired children taking action), as well as Cassington Pre-School Playgroup and St Peter's School Association in Cassington.

Linda Brooks, from Kidlington, completed her first marathon in five hours and six minutes. She was raising money for Epilepsy Action and thanked all her family, friends and colleagues for their support.

Edward Byard, from Long Wittenham, fundraising for Diabetes UK, completed the course in three hours and 36 minutes.

Kate Sayer, of Marina Way, Abingdon, completed the marathon in four hours and 13 minutes.

The senior negotiator at Premier Letting Agency in Cowley Road, Oxford, aims to raise at least £5,000 through sponsorship for adventure playground equipment at Dry Sandford Primary School.

All the children at the school made her good luck cards before the marathon, which she said really spurred her on. As a result of Kate's efforts, the school will be able go ahead and start construction of a play/ fitness trail.

At the end of the course, Kate said: "I'm exhausted, but I absolutely loved it. I am also very happy with the number of parents, businesses and local residents in Dry Sandford who have sponsored me and what that will mean for the school. The plan is to have a little tea party at the school with them and the children to say thank you."