An Asda worker more used to pushing trolleys than pushing himself to the limits completed the London Marathon the day before his 60th birthday.

Len Lewis, a porter at the Asda Penryn store, completed the run in an astonishing time of four hours, 43 minutes and 28 seconds on his first attempt, after making a promise to his wife.

Len explained: "I said to my wife that I was going to run the London Marathon before I was 60. I made it by one day! She thought I was mad."

He described the day as "very hot, but tremendous." "I will never forget it. It was very emotional, to be part of the best marathon in the world," he said.

Len ran in aid of the Children's Hospice SouthWest, which on Monday (April 30) opened a second children's hospice at Wraxall, near Bristol. "I ran for a wonderful charity. I wanted a local charity, in the south west, and I know lots of people who have been there," he explained.

Len managed to complete the marathon in a highly respectable time, despite an injury in February forcing him to miss six weeks of training at a time when he should have been practising long distances.

Mary Murfin, from the charity, said: "He's a fantastic guy. He's had very good support from his Asda colleagues as well, which is lovely.

Alison Quick, store marketing co-ordinator at Asda Penryn, agreed: "He's a very well respected colleague in the store. To do a marathon is excellent - he's a very giving chap." This was demonstrated when Len wore red shoelaces during the marathon, after the government agreed to donate 50p to ChildLine and 50p for another charity for each person who wore them.

Alison added that Len gave excellent service to customers in his job, which has meant he has received a great deal of support from people sponsoring him.

Len has currently raised over £3,500 and hopes to boost that total to above £4,000 through a fundraising tombola that is being held in the store this Saturday (May 5), from 10am. He is being assisted by his colleague Lana, who is giving up her free time to help him raise money, just as she has done throughout the campaign - for which Len thanked her.