A WIRRAL hospital worker has raised thousands of pounds for cancer patients by taking part in the London Marathon.

Dave Badley, a clinical support worker at Arrowe Park Hospital, has so far raised £2,200 for Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust's charity, after running the event in record high temperatures this year.

The cash will help patients with cancer who are being cared for at the Trust.

Dave, from Greasby, has worked at Arrowe Park for 25 years. He has spent the past four years in operating theatres, where he is involved in the care of a number of cancer patients.

He said: "As I was running it was nice thinking everything is going back to the patients at Arrowe Park Hospital.

"The funds could be used to provide important equipment or other things that might help with the treatment of patients with cancer.

"I can't fault the support I've had from everyone at work and from my family.

"The words of encouragement have been brilliant.

"It does stay with you when you're going through every mile.

"When I came back to work the welcome was fantastic.

"I'm over the moon at how much I've raised.

"I thought I would raise £300, so to raise over £2,000 is great.

"I've also had some good donations from local businesses and I’d like to thank everyone for their support."

This was his third marathon but the first time he has ever ran the London Marathon, after spending the past seven years trying to secure a place and his official time was five hours and 26 minutes.

He added: "It was an outstanding atmosphere and I couldn't fault it.

"The heat was unbelievable. It was like spending the day in a sauna and got up to 32 degrees.

"My training schedule was spot on thanks to Gravity gym and I would like to thank them."

Dave's fundraising page is still open for anyone who would like to donate to the Cancer fund.

This is just the start for Dave who is now looking at doing the Port Sunlight 10K and possibly other fundraising events for the Charity.

To support him, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-badley1

Victoria Burrows, head of fundraising, said: "I would like to thank Dave for his commitment and hard work throughout his training and fundraising.

"I'm thrilled he chose to support WUTH Charity Cancer fund. Well done Dave."