Runners cross seven marathons finish line at pier

A group of runners who embarked on seven marathons in seven days around Dorset have crossed the finish line in Bournemouth.

Childhood friends Chris Helberg and Chris Bryer-Ash started the challenge on Monday, raising money for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

But on the fourth day, Mr Bryer-Ash developed a suspected viral infection and spent Thursday night in hospital.

His father, Rich Bryer-Ash, 59, has been running in his son's place, along with DCCF chairman Chris Thomas.

Chris Bryer-Ash's 94-year-old grandmother also put in a shift, walking the final leg of Friday's marathon.

The friends were reunited at the finish line at Bournemouth Pier on Sunday afternoon.

The runners have already raised more than £72,000 for DCCF, which supports cancer patients and their families.

Ahead of the challenge on Monday, Mr Helberg said: "They [the charity] support people with financial hardship.

"When you are going through cancer, you shouldn't be worrying about how you pay your mortgage or get to your hospital appointment.

"They take all these worries away from you."

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