SUNDAY'S London Marathon was a test of strength and endurance for all the participants, but even more so for Luke Allen, who completed the course as Watford Football Club mascot's, Harry the Hornet.

Luke, 27, a life-long fan of the football club, was able to borrow the costume for the day in order to raise money for Victa Children, a charity that supports families with visually impaired children.

Other football clubs, including Wycombe Wanderers, also lent their mascots suits for brave volunteers to run in.

And Luke even managed to convince his brother, Kai, a Liverpool Football Club fan, to run the 26.2 mile race with him, as Southampton's mascot Sammy Saint.

Luke said: "It was great fun, but hard going. The first half was fine, but as it was raining the costumes got heavier. There were lots of Watford Football Club fans along the route cheering me on. I definitely enjoyed running as Harry for the day. The enjoyment far outweighed the pain."

Luke, a sales consultant from Milton Road, Harpenden, completed the course in five hours, 59 minutes and 44 seconds.

It is not the first time he has undertaken such a strenuous challenge for charity. Last year he ran 12 marathons in 12 months.

And he doesn't intend to stop now.

He said: "I enjoy running marathons, so I'll definitely do another one. I'll never run in a costume again though, it was a lot harder than I expected, but at least I can say I've done it now."

Luke's motivation for marathon running sprung from having two strokes when aged 18 and 24. He was in and out of hospital and not allowed to exercise, so after being given the all clear he wanted to do something to prove his health and fitness, and help other people by raising money.

Luke originally hoped to raise £15,000 by running the marathon as Harry the Hornet.

If you would like to help him reach this total by making a donation, send a cheque, payable to Victa Children Limited, to 9 Heath View, Milton Road, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 5LP.