Folkestone mum Chris Pegler finished the London Marathon on Sunday – despite running with a 7cm hole in her skull.

She succeeded in crossing the line in less than five-and-a-half hours and taking home the medal she so badly craved.

Chris, 43, was diagnosed with a brain tumour after suffering a seizure at the dinner table last year.

Scroll down for video

Almost a year to the day after undergoing brain surgery to remove the non-cancerous tumour, Chris ran the marathon alongside her husband James.

The couple had planned to run it last year but were forced to defer when Chris became ill.

She only decided to take on the run again with James, who had already decided he was going to run this year, at Easter.

They have so far raised over £1,600 for the Brain Tumour Charity.

She said: “We had burgers and champagne which was a delight.

“I feel elated that the challenge is finally done but I ache so bad! It’s nice to put the whole thing behind me and get some closure. All I need now is the new titanium lid and I’m all done!”

James finished in five hours, 13 minutes with Chris crossing the line nine minutes later.

She added: “It’s fabulous in the circumstances and given my two week training plan!”

To sponsor Chris and James go to www.justgiving.com/ChrisandJamesBlomfield

For a full round up of runners from the Folkestone area pick up a copy of this week's Folkestone & Hythe Express.

Reporter Matt Leclere caught up with Chris during her preparations for the race