Stansted firefighter Elliott Foster ran his first London Marathon in four hours, 38 minutes and raised £1,300 for the Essex Air Ambulance.

Elliott, who was cheered on by his family and friends, said on Monday morning: “It was amazing, I am still buzzing from it. I can’t explain the feeling as you cross the finishing line. I thought wow, I’ve done it. I’ve run the London Marathon. I will never, ever forget it.”

Elliott, who said he definitely wanted to run the marathon again, said he had “hit a wall” when he reached the 21st mile. He said: “I slowed down a bit but overall, it was fantastic, I was very happy. My family and friends were at mile seven and at mile 23 and they were much needed at mile 23 because that was when I was starting to flag.

“I had my phone in my pocket and after mile seven, they texted me to say they would be there again at mile 23, they managed to get through the crowds and it made all the difference to see them.”

Among Elliott’s supporters were his parents Marie and Stephen and girlfriend Sophie Minall.

To help Elliott support Essex Air Ambulance go to www.justgiving.com/elliott-foster/.