A COUPLE who conquered the London marathon described the "emotional" experience of taking on the famous run.

As the Star reported Dave and Mandy Ashcroft, who run the Pets Emporium shop in College Street, took on the run in aid of Children with Cancer UK.

The charity was chosen due to Mandy's experience with the illness when she underwent treatment for breast cancer in 2008 with Sunday being her first marathon.

The couple both beat their target times with Dave, 50, finishing in three hours 58 minutes and 24 seconds and Mandy smashing her five-hour goal coming home in four hours, 34 minutes and 50 seconds.

And daughters Katie and Rachel were in the crowds cheering them on for the big day.

"It was just an amazing experience, it was wonderful and we both performed well on the day," said Dave.

"We have raised up to £2,200 and we should top £2,500. It is all about the fundraising and we want to say say thank you to everyone who helped raise that money.

"Some guy even walked up to us and gave us a tenner, it was touching.

"It was a very emotional day for both of us, particularly on the iconic bits you see on TV. The crowd support is incredible as if you're getting carried along on this conveyor belt."

The shop will host a fundraising day on Saturday, April 30 with profits going to Children with Cancer UK.

People can support their efforts by visiting: www.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Dave or Mandy Ashcroft.