A WIRRAL man who helped his friend cross the finishing line of the London Marathon has spoken about his running mission for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

Marc Roby, 29, from Spital ran the London Marathon for the second time on Sunday.

His girlfriend’s brother, 20-year-old Matt Carpanini, was his training partner but during the race developed a hamstring injury and was helped by Marc to the finishing line.

Stranger Alfie Millar was also running past when he stopped to help Matt to the end.

Marc told the Globe: “The race itself is one of the biggest in the world – I ran it three years ago but got injured myself so I knew what Matt was going through.

“I wanted to help him so I stuck with him until the end, I always prefer someone to run with anyway.

“We ended up finishing the race in four hours and 50 minutes and we spent the last 5 miles walking.

“We both said to each-other it was one of those things and time didn’t matter to us.

“Alfie had been running the marathon with his girlfriend but she had already finished. He figured he would never beat that so he stopped and helped.

“As long as we completed it within five hours we were happy.”

Wirral Globe:

Marc and Matt with their families after the marathon on Sunday

This was Marc’s 21st marathon, who is on his way to complete his own challenge - 30 races before 30 for Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

So far Marc has completed 11 obstacle races, one marathon, five half marathons, two 10k’s and 10 miles with 18kg on his back.

However there is a personal reason for Marc’s challenge.

“My mum Rosemary was diagnosed with breast cancer and I just felt so helpless.

“I have always worked alongside races as part of my job so I thought why don’t I have a go.

“She didn’t want many people to know about her diagnosis so I only began fundraising once she had rung the bell at Clatterbridge after she had beaten cancer.

“I decided to take on 30 races before I turn 30 in August and I’m just wanting to raise as much money as I can so that Clatterbridge can continue the fantastic work that they do.”

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/30-before-30