Two Chester hospital staff members joined two supporters of the hospital's charity to raise a fantastic five-figure sum by going the distance in the London Marathon.

Staff members Laura Atherton, operational manager for the Chester Milk Bank and Mo Njie from the hospital's security team joined two consistent supporters of the Countess Charity, Eric Henderson and Lauren Shand, in running a gruelling 26.2 miles in one of the world's biggest sporting events.

Their efforts raised more than £10,000 for the Countess Charity – £8,000 of which will go towards the building of a new balcony for patients in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit, and £2,000 for the Trust's Retinal Eye Scanner appeal.

'Amazing'

Mo ran through the capital's streets in a time of four hours and five minutes, with Eric completing the challenge in four hours, 40 minutes, Lauren in four hours, 59 minutes and Laura reaching the finish line after five hours, 40 minutes.

The runners' places in the marathon were generously secured by the Chester Lions Club who have helped the charity in this way for the past 15 years.

Interim head of fundraising Angie Lopez praised the runners and said their fundraising will go a long way to help patients at the hospital.

"It has been amazing to see this year's London Marathon Team Countess support each other in their fundraising, training and on the day, " she said.

"They have all worked so hard to raise funds, holding cake sales, evening events and Bike-a-thons.

"They are such an amazing team and their fundraising will be of immense benefit to our patients here at the Countess."