A GRANDMOTHER overcame her health problems to compete in this year's London Marathon and raise more than £500 for the Alzheimer's Society charity.

Margaret Gannon, aged 62, joined 30,000 other runners in completing the 26-mile marathon despite a leg condition that has prevented her from taking part in the race since 1998.

The dementia care nurse, who works at the Riverbank nursing home in Howley, says completing her 10th marathon was all the more satisfying because of the level of effort involved.

She said: "It is a personal achievement for me, I've proved to myself that I can do it again!

"It was hard work but quite rewarding. I completed the race in just over seven hours and managed to jog some of the last 13 miles."

The runner, cheered on by her grandson Anthony and partner Eric, was delighted to have helped raise money for the Alzheimer's Society cause.

Mrs Gannon, who has been working at the home since 1988: "I have been working in dementia care for the best part of 17 years.

"The Alzheimer's Society provides all sorts of valuable information and research to patients."

Surprisingly, Mrs Gannon, of Elm Road, Winwick, only took to running when her four children Richard, Caroline, Simon and Sean joined Warrington Athletic Club at Victoria Park.

This year she started at 9.45am and finished just after 5pm, but do not be surprised if she improves her personal best again.

She said: "I didn't start running until I was 45 when I took part in a mothers race event.

That year I ran my first marathon in 3.32 hours."