A BROTHER and sister have raised about £12,500 after completing their own London marathon in North Yorkshire.

Guy and Charlotte Barker, children of Northallerton’s Charles Barker, were among thousands of people across the country taking part in remote London marathons on Sunday after the event, which usually takes place in April, was cancelled.

Guy had signed up to run the race in April, but his sister, who now lives in Edinburgh, decided to join him eight weeks ago after the death of their father, who had been the head of Northallerton’s well-known department store.

The 69-year-old died in August after living with myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, for 15 years.

The Northern Echo:

Charles Barker

His children have now raised about £12,500 for Myeloma UK.

Guy, 38, who now runs the High Street store, said he was feeling tired but pleased after finishing the 26.2 mile run outside Barkers, where they were met by a small crowd.

The Northern Echo:

He said: “I didn’t tell a lot of people but a few people in the shop knew about it and there was a little crowd at the end which was lovely. They put up some balloons and had a finish line to run through which made it more of an event.

“It would have been lovely to do it through London. Today was different but it was enjoyable and it means so much to be able to do it in our home town. My mum was there at the finish line and found it quite emotional.

“We both got quite emotional as we came onto the High Street but we managed to have a bit of a laugh about it, just as my dad would have.”

The pair started in Helmsley and ran along the Cleveland Way, finishing in six hours and 34 minutes.

Mr Barker added: “There were a few more hill climbs and a few more boggy fields and tracks but that adds a bit of variety rather than just pounding the pavements.”

To sponsor them, visit their fundraising page