THIS year’s London marathon saw more than 39,000 people of all ages take part in this 26.2 mile challenge around central London and the Thames.

Among the runners who completed the feat were three members of the Skinner family of Cheriton Fitzpaine who ran in aid of the “Anthony Nolan” charity which provides support in saving the lives of those with blood cancers.

Their efforts have so far provided a nearly £6500 contribution towards the work of the Trust which is expected to top £7000 by the end of this month.

John Skinner’s daughter Lauren, partner Michael and niece Charlotte all finished the run and proudly displayed their finishing medals to the family at the charity’s post run bash at a central London hotel among the hundreds of other medal winners and their families.

People watching the race on television may have spotted the three running across Tower Bridge!

Although largely unscathed from the exercise, all readily stated never again! However, free massages and nosh soon worked its magic in moderating this view and we now know that the half marathon run in the park - the Royal Park Half Marathon this Autumn will be entered - not only by the existing gang, but with mum Debbie Skinner of Cheriton Fitzpaine joining too!

So infectious is this feeling that friend, open air cinema and theatre producer, George Wood has decided to apply for his entry in 2017 and within a trice the existing three agreed to run the London Marathon next year too making the team four - early days but further additions to “Team Skinner” expected over the coming days.

An awesome feat by three complete novices gaining a lifetime’s satisfaction from having completed one of the world’s greatest runs is something of which the family is justly proud.

None of the three are professional sports people - Charlotte (27) is the senior design artist at

London’s Selfriges store, Michael (29) is a risk and trading Manager for the Bank of Brazil and daughter Lauren (34) is a newly appointed Director at international accountants Deloitte. All three are based in London.

Sue Read