A CHARITY providing friendship and support to the RAF ‘family’ is over £1,000 better off this week, thanks to the efforts of Irvine marathon man Paul Camlin.

Paul completed Sunday’s Virgin Money London Marathon in three hours and 40 minutes, raising over £1,450 for the Royal Air Forces Association.

No stranger to endurance running, Paul has previously completed two Edinburgh marathons and a 53 mile ultra-marathon.

Speaking after the race, he said: “My main feeling at the moment is relief. I’m really happy with how the race went, as I achieved my target time.

“I enjoyed the first half, with Tower Bridge and Cutty Sark being particularly memorable. The second half was more challenging, as I needed to concentrate on my running to achieve the time I was aiming for.

“I’ve found people are more impressed about me running the London Marathon than the 53-mile ultra-marathon I ran.” Michael Bolton, the RAF Association’s director of fundraising and marketing, said: “We are very grateful to Paul for his great running and fundraising efforts, and to his family for their support too. His sponsorship money will help us provide friendship, help and support to current and former serving RAF personnel and their families.” The RAF Association offers welfare and family support, respite care, pension and compensation guidance as well as individual support to help injured personnel realise their potential. The charity receives no government funding and depends entirely on the generosity of the general public.

Paul is pictured receiving his certificate of appreciation from the RAF Association’s Scotland and Northern Ireland Chairman Bob Chandler.