First-time London Marathon runner Tanya Robinson, from Exmouth, completed the 26.2 miles in just over four hours, to raise vital funds for the Devon Freewheelers charity, based in Honiton.

Tanya, who is married to Devon Blood Bike volunteer Jim, secured a place to run the marathon in London, finishing the race in four hours and 58 minutes.

Tanya, aged 41, of Bradham Lane, Exmouth, was cheered along the route by her Blood Biker husband and wept as she crossed the London Marathon finish line.

The mum-of-one said: "That atmosphere was immense. It was insane. Everyone taking part knew they were part of something really special this year because of Covid.

"Everyone understood they were running for charity and it meant something because everybody has been so desperate for money because of the coronavirus.

"I crossed the finish line and I just burst into tears. It was such an overwhelming feeling of emotion."

Spa manager Tanya said the support of her husband, Jim, and the cheering crowds, carried her when the going got tough.

She said: "The blood bikes never left my mind and that is why I pushed every step."

Tanya said: "Jim was there for me at 13 and 24 miles and to catch me at the end.

"He lifted me at 13 miles and when I wanted to break down, he hugged me and shouted 'let's get this done'.

"I had a tee-shirt with my name on, people were calling it all the time, saying 'you're looking great, you're still smiling', it was fantastic. It was a real pick-up; emotional. It carried us through.

"It was amazing. I think it's something that will stay with me forever.

"I was almost home. My hips were sore and I had blisters between my toes that felt like razor blades.

"I came up through the tunnel at 23 miles. I saw Jim before he saw me. I was absolutely full of emotion. I wanted to give him a big hug. He could see I was right on the brink of tears. He said 'you have got this'."

Tanya in 2020 launched a year of challenges to mark her 40th birthday, raising funds for the Devon Freewheelers through a JustGiving page.

When the Covid-19 pandemic cancelled a host of planned challenges, Tanya pledged a further year of punishing monthly tasks, which come to an end in March 2022 to mark her 42nd birthday.

Russell Roe, Devon Freewheelers deputy CEO, said: "Over the last year Tanya has repeatedly pushed herself to the extreme to raise money for the Devon Freewheelers. The charity is indebted to her.

"Her latest challenge, running the London Marathon, had us all in awe.

"The Devon Blood Bikes rely on fundraising to offer a free service, supporting the county's communities and the NHS.

"We cannot express enough the level of gratitude everyone at the Devon Freewheelers feels towards Tanya - for all she has done for the charity over the last year, and continues to do."

See Tanya's JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tanya-robinson12