A COMMITTED runner from Kidderminster is celebrating completing his 12th marathon in just over a decade.

Keith Kane crossed the finish line at the London Marathon yesterday (Sunday, April 22) to help raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

And the 56-year-old grandad’s efforts saw him raised £700 for the charity. He was one of 400 representing the charity during the 26.2 miles run.

Keith completed the course in three hours and 45 minutes which is particularly impressive as he underwent surgery for a hernia just before Christmas last year.

He has now completed 12 marathons since 2007, including seven London Marathons and three Dublin Marathons. He first started running marathons after his sister Francis Eggerton passed away, as a way to give back and raise money for various charities.

After crossing the finish line, he said: “Taking part in the London Marathon was a huge challenge and an incredible experience.

“The atmosphere on the day was brilliant and I am proud to have been part of the Heart Runners team for such an iconic event.

“Knowing I was running for a wonderful charity made me determined to succeed.

“It was fantastic to have everyone there cheering me on and to know that my sponsorship money will help the BHF raise funds for life saving research to bring new hope to the seven million people living with heart and circulatory disease in the UK.”

Karen McDonnell, Events Manager at the BHF, added: “Without the dedication and commitment of people like Keith, we wouldn’t be able to fund research that has broken new ground, revolutionised treatments and transformed the lives of millions of people in the UK.

“The stories of why our amazing supporters take part never fail to amaze me and it was incredible to see Keith and around 400 others take on such a tough challenge and help us stop heart disease in its tracks.”