There was an extra poignancy to Matthew Edwards’ four hours and 38 minutes time at Sunday’s event.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Matthew Edwards at the end of the London MarathonMatthew Edwards at the end of the London Marathon (Image: Archant)

Mr Edwards’ sister-in-law Lisa Day, a former County High student, died in September last year after she had to wait four hours and 44 minutes for a London ambulance.

At her inquest in February, a coroner ruled how the diabetic student nurse could have been saved had the ambulance got there sooner, and Mr Edwards wanted to beat that time around the 26.2 mile course.

He said: “I wanted to be able to beat the time it took the ambulance to get to Lisa, and make a statement. It was very tough going after about 20 miles, but I’m so happy I managed it.

“It was quite an emotional moment crossing the finish line, and I broke into tears after I finished. My wife Katy was there, along with some of Lisa’s friends to support me.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Matthew Edwards, with sister-in-law Lisa Day (centre) and wife Katy at the London Olympics in 2012.Matthew Edwards, with sister-in-law Lisa Day (centre) and wife Katy at the London Olympics in 2012. (Image: Archant)

“We have now raised nearly £12,000 for Diabetes UK and in two weeks time there is a group of us taking on the 3 Peaks Challenge. So it’s a question of getting some rest until then.”

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/bittenoffmorethanicanchewforlisa