An inspirational Bridport runner has completed the London Marathon on his way to raising money in memory of his father – after just one month’s training.

Tom Franklin, 35, completed the famous 26.2-mile course in the capital on Sunday for Macmillan Cancer Support, and has raised £865 of his £2,000 target in the process.

A manager at Huck Nets, Mr Franklin, whose normal weekend activity is captaining Drimpton FC, managed a hugely impressive time of four hours, two minutes and three seconds.

He was inspired to run by the death of his father David Franklin from lung cancer on the 25th anniversary of his passing.

And, with the London Marathon being hugely over-subscribed, Mr Franklin has only just got his chance to compete in the famous race.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Runners reach the Isle of Dogs during the TCS London Marathon on Sunday October 2, 2022 Picture: PA

His opportunity came at short notice when a reserve spot became available during the summer.

Speaking to the Bridport & Lyme Regis News, Mr Franklin admitted his legs were heavily fatigued after the giant run.

He said: “They are absolutely gone, I’m not going to lie! They’re hurting but it was amazing.

“The crowd were quality and it really does make it.

“I don’t want to blow my own trumpet or anything but I’ve actually only had a month’s training because I got a last-minute call-up.

“I enter the ballot pretty much every year but normally I don’t get success.

“I started doing the training when I entered the ballot, just in case, and then when it didn’t happen I stopped.

“It was literally at the end of August, I got an e-mail through from Macmillan to say they had some last-minute drop-outs and would I considering doing it.

“I e-mailed them back to say I’d go for it and they were good enough to say: ‘It’s yours’ so I thought I’ve got to do it.”

He added: “I lost my dad 25 years ago through lung cancer, so it’s always had a place in my heart.”

His mother Julie also revealed family members had come to watch him.

She said: "All the family are really proud of him, all his extended family as well.

"I've got cousins in London that went to watch and supported him. One of my cousins met him afterwards and he had a good weekend."

Mr Franklin also offered advice to any budding marathon runners.

“Anyone that wants to do it, just do it,” he said.

“If you’ve got a passion for running and got something like that on your bucket list, just go for it.”

Donations can be made to Mr Franklin’s fundraising page via: https://tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/tom-franklin