Sittingbourne's runners take part in Virgin London Marathon

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Hayley Robinson

Published: 17:30, 29 April 2015

Running the London Marathon is a sweaty business for all those involved.

But imagine running the gruelling 26.2 miles dressed as a Pink Lady apple.

That was how Ivonne Goetsch, from Newington, decided to do it to raise money for Stroke Association.

Ivonne Goetsch completed the London Marathon 2015 in 5hrs 23mins

She completed the race in 5hrs 23mins and raised £1,152 for the cause.

The 35-year-old, who works as a team member at Dartford-based Chingford Fruit, said: “I have witnessed first hand the devastating effect a stroke can have on an individual.

“The Stroke Association is an outstanding organisation that can really help improve the lives of stroke sufferers. Their work is invaluable.

“Although I have completed races before, the sense of joy as you cross the finish line never gets any less overwhelming.”

Joseph Lovelock completed the London Marathon 2015 in 4hrs 39mins

Tree surgeon, Joseph Lovelock completed the course in 4hrs 39 mins. In addition he raised more than £500 for The Abbeyfield Kent Society’s Wish Appeal initiative, a scheme that grants wishes for residents living in their care homes.

The 29-year-old Sittingbourne resident , said: “I really did enjoy it, especially the support I received not just from my family, but the spectators cheering me on and keeping me going.

“This was my first marathon and as soon as I had finished I started thinking about entering for next year.

“I feel really proud that I have raised money for The Wish Appeal, which will hopefully make a huge difference to the residents at Abbeyfield Kent.

Lucy Russon completed the London Marathon 2015 in 4hrs 16mins

“Older people are often forgotten about and it feels good to know I am helping their last wishes come true.”

Married mum-of-two Lucy Russon, who lives in Bredgar and works at All Saints Primary School in Chatham, crossed the finish line in 4hrs 16mins - three minutes quicker than when she did the Marathon de Paris on April 12.

So far the 36-year-old, who lost her dad Dennis to heart failure in 2006, has raised £1,200 for the Essex-based charity BEARS.

She said: “London is such a fantastic race. The crowds pull you through that last bit.”

Liam Gibson and his girlfriend Zoe Norman completed the London Marathon 2015 in 4hrs 36mins. They are pictured with radio and TV presenter Chris Evans

Liam Gibson, 41, who works at Sittingbourne’s Asda store, and his girlfriend Zoe Norman, 32, who lives in Brighton, finished the race together in 4hrs and 36mins.

Like Mrs Russon, they also took part in the Paris race two weeks ago.

Mr Gibson’s chosen charity is Demelza Hospice Care for Children, which has a facility in Rook Lane, Bobbing.

He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was brilliant and there was a good atmosphere. I’ve still got the Edinburgh one on May 31. The legs are feeling it.”

Former Borden Grammar School pupil Jonathan Wood did it in 4hrs and 8mins.