Local runner Andy Kirkup completed the London Marathon on Sunday 2 October, raising over £2,400 for Longfield Community Hospice while attempting to scoop the Guinness World Record for being the World’s Fastest Fancy Dressed Fairy.

Andy, from Wotton-under-Edge, completed the 26.2-mile course in 2 hours 38 minutes, shaving 11 minutes and 18 seconds off the existing World’s Fastest Marathon Dressed As A Fairy Record. Clad in full fairy regalia, he substituted his wand for a selfie stick to record the impressive record attempt.

Andy, who is currently awaiting official confirmation of his record, raised over £2,400 for the Minchinhampton-based hospice through sponsorship and donations. The hospice cared for Andy’s Mum Ruth, in her final days.

Andy explained:

“Back in November 2017, cancer finally got the better of my fantastic Mum. It was awful – properly horrific. The team at Longfield Hospice helped Mum die with dignity and as comfortably as possible while supporting my family too. Their care really was marvellous; this is my way of saying thank you.”

This year, Longfield aims to support more than 1200 patients with life-limiting illnesses, carers and family members, through both the Wellbeing Centre in Minchinhampton and by providing end-of-life care in patient’s homes.

Head of Fundraising and Marketing, Louise Cook said:

“We’re genuinely blown away by Andy’s fantastic achievement, and to raise over £2,400 is simply amazing! Every penny raised by supporters like Andy makes a massive difference to Longfield – it means we can offer free expert care for adults with a life-limiting illness, and support for their loved ones too.”

Any further donations can be made at Andy’s JustGiving page, here.