Richard is also hoping that figure will soon be doubled by Archant, publishers of the East Anglian Daily Times, which has a charity scheme to match pound for pound the amount raised by its employees up to a maximum of £3,000.

Richard said: "When I started collecting money in January it quickly became evident what a good name the Hospice has in east Suffolk.

"People were very willing to give to such a good cause and I am delighted with the excellent and generous financial support given by many companies, clubs and individuals."

To prepare for the marathon, Richard spent many hours in training, covering more than 840 miles in total - almost the equivalent distance of running from Land's End to John O'Groats.

He said: "I was never injured, never ill and never missed a scheduled session. But the unpredictability of the marathon did catch me out.

"I suffered from a blister from as early as the fourth mile, altered my running style slightly to cope and ended up with cramp in both thighs for the last six miles just when it looked as though I would duck under the 3hr mark.

"Fortunately, St John Ambulance were on hand after I crossed the finishing line to give some treatment."