ROB Berryman was inspired to take on the London Marathon and raise money for CLIC Sargent by a young girl from Launceston.

Kaitlin, who is now a happy, fun loving eight-year-old, is a close friend of Rob’s daughter. At the age of two Kaitlin was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor and CLIC were a huge support to Carla, Chris and Kaitlin during this exceptionally difficult time.

Rob decided that he wanted to dedicate his run to Kaitlin and raise money for a worthwhile charity that aims to help other young people and their families battling cancer.

Rob said: “The hard­est part for me was mile 22 to 24. You are several miles from the finish line but you’ve already done so much and it really starts to hurt at that point.

“At mile 25 and 26 you’re thinking ‘I’m nearly there now’ and it gives you a little extra boost to finish it. But yes, it is a long old run, but there is a fantastic atmosphere with the crowds cheering you on.”

His initial target had been to raise £1,800, but so far Rob has received £2,092.27 on his JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/Rob-Berryman40 and has around an extra £400 coming in from outside sources, all of which will go to CLIC Sargent to pay for families to stay for a month in a ‘home from home’ close to where their child is receiving cancer treatment.