A first-time marathon runner has raised almost £2,500 for

the British Heart Foundation after being inspired to run for the charity

following a life-saving heart operation.

Simon Peevers, aged 35, the community publisher for Clifton

People, was among 36,000 runners who pounded the streets of London on April 25,

collectively raising about £18 million for charity.

Mr Peevers has so far raised £2,326 but is still aiming to

hit his target of £3,000 for the British Heart Foundation to help fight heart

disease, which is still the UK’s biggest killer.

He said: “It was an amazing day and a real sense of

achievement to finish the run.

“My first goal was to run all the way, which I did manage to

do and it took me five hours and 24 minutes.

“I really trained hard throughout the winter for the run and

it really paid off.

“I have had so much support from lots of friends and family

over the past year since I started my training, which has been fantastic.

“I’ve also had loads of fantastic pledges and sponsorship,

but I do want to keep going until I reach the £3,000 I have pledged to the

charity.”

Mr Peevers underwent open heart surgery in September 2007 to

replace his aortic valve and to repair the wall of his valve which was

expanding and could have burst.

He has been writing a blog about his training which can be

seen at www.fatboybristol.blogspot.com

and if anybody would like to make a donation to help him reach his fundraising

target go to www.justgiving.co.uk/simonpeevers

He added: “I know Bristol is particularly full of runners

and Clifton where I’ve been training most of the time, so it would be great to

hear from anybody else on Clifton People who ran the London Marathon.

“I’m now looking forward to next year, if I can get a place.”