A Maidstone painter and decorator who raised more than £1600 in the London marathon, paid a visit to his local paint suppliers this week to thank staff who helped him reach his fantastic total.

Steve Jenner, who completed the race in 4 hours 21 minutes, raised the money with help from staff at the Johnstone's Leyland Decorating Centre on Hart Street , who donated more than £400. The money raised will go to the charity, Children with Leukaemia, based in Great Ormond Street .

"This was my first ever marathon and although the heat made it hard work, it has certainly made me want to do more. When it started to get tough, the crowd really helped to pull me through and of course knowing that I was raising all that money for charity helped to spur me on."

Steve who works for long established Maidstone firm, M. Jenner & Son, decided to go to his local suppliers to gain support for his endeavours.

"We have been supplying Steve and his father with paint for many years now, and when he approached us we were more than happy to help," comments Craig Priestley, Assistant Manager at the Decorating Centre.

"Steve ran a fantastic time for his first marathon and we're pleased his efforts were able to raise all that money for such a worthy cause."

Children with Leukaemia has been helping children affected by leukaemia for almost 20 years. The registered charity funds research into causes and treatments, provides support to families and campaigns on their behalf.

"When I decided to run the marathon I knew I wanted to do it on behalf of a really worth cause and Children with Leukaemia is most definitely that. I am grateful to everyone at the Johnstone's Leyland Decorating Centre and all my other sponsors for their support - and I look forward to them sponsoring me again next year."

ENDS

Further information
Mark Hand
Connect PR
01902 714957
markh@connect-group.com

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