ALTON Specsavers store director Lateef Iqbal is recovering this week after running last weekend’s Virgin London Marathon.

Lateef completed the 26.2-mile trek around the streets of the nation’s capital on Sunday in just two seconds under six hours to raise more than £1,232 for Blind Veterans UK.

Lateef, who raced on behalf of a charity that supports visually impaired former servicemen and women, even took time out to grab a quick selfie with Adam Woodyatt, otherwise known as EastEnders stalwart Ian Beale.

Aged 47, this was Lateef’s second London marathon – the first one being 11 years ago in 2006. He now has an eight-year old daughter who, he says, claims to have trained him.

Commenting on Sunday’s event, Lateef said: “I have always enjoyed running and this year took part in the Richmond and Surrey half-marathons.

But the London Marathon is always the ultimate challenge. And despite having a knee injury from last year, I thought ‘why not?’ and decided to go for the ballot and was shocked to then find out that I’d been successful.

“Then it was time to decide on a charity to support, so I opted for Blind Veterans UK, a charity I have been supporting for 17 years in my capacity as a Specsavers store director at the Farnham, Alton and Camberley branches.

“They do amazing work and I’ve witnessed first hand how they help veterans regain their confidence and independence after sight loss.”

Lateef added: “I took it easy on the day, walking and running the event because of my knee injury.

“The crowds were incredible and the buzz and support you get from them is infectious and spurs you on when you feel like giving up.

“It truly was a memorable day. Such a mix of people enduring the distance and breaking many pain barriers to fundraise for causes close to their hearts.

“I even bumped into Ian Beale from Eastenders – and overtook him! I just hope I can do it all again next year.”

To sponsor Lateef, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/

lateeflondonmarathon.

Meanwhile, The Treloar Trust fielded a 12-strong team of runners for Sunday’s Virgin London Marathon – and they all got round to raise more than £20,000 for the charity.

The money will go to support the severely disabled young people who live, learn and grow at Treloar School and College in Holybourne, near Alton.

Among the team was last-minute entrant and Swansea Harriers Athletics Club member Leigh Fennell, who completed the course in a healthy three hours 17 minutes 23 seconds.

Leigh is a member of the club whose members hit the national headlines after team mate Josh Griffith upset the apple cart by crossing the finish line in 2.14.49 to qualify for the 2017 World Championships in London.

It was his London Marathon debut and he had passed all Britain’s elite men to be the first British runner home.

Just over half an hour later, Swansea Harriers runner Matthew Rees epitomised the spirit of the marathon by helping fellow runner David Wyeth across the finish line after he collapsed with exhaustion just 300 yards from the finish.