Matthew Stephenson, shown here with his winning medal , was delighted to have the opportunity to run the Virgin London Marathon on the 25th April 2010 in aid of the Wings of Hope.

Matthew is 36, and lives in East London with his Japanese wife of 12 years and baby daughter Nene. Born and raised in the UK, Matthew has a background in Japanese study and has worked for several Japanese organisations in London.

Matthew says

"I wish to thank the Wings of Hope for my charity run in this years London Marathon! It was a pleasure to enter this challenge after receiving so much support, and my finish time was 4 hrs 48 min.

The huge number of runners, the crowd and the atmosphere was humbling. I saw my wife and family at mile 14 and 22 which gave me a boost. And the shouts from the crowd made the last few miles more bearable.

At mile 17 I remember slowing to a fast walk to rest, and being overtaken by a man dressed in a heart costume! And at the end, I just managed to overtake and beat a man dressed as a bottle.

Thank you again to all friends and family who donated to Wings of Hope and supported my marathon effort."