The 40-year-old described it as a "logical step" after doing several 10k runs and half-marathons.

When he hit the fabled runner's 'wall' just four miles before the end, however, he had second thoughts. He was hot, tired, and trussed up in full Scout regalia for the race.

But the Tanglewood Close resident continued running to the end, fulfilling his wish to run the whole 26-mile course and raising more than £2,000 for his local Scout group.

He said: "It was hard. I was running 45 miles a week before but you never run a full marathon in training,

"My only target was to run it all. I was determined to cross the line running. It was a hard last four miles but I did it."

Richard's position as assistant Scout leader at Belper's 1st Alton Manor group was one of the reasons he chose to run the Virgin-sponsored race.

The group has been raising funds for a new headquarters on Gregory's Way for years after nomadically meeting in venues across Belper.

Richard hopes that once all his sponsor money has been collected he will have raised around £2,500 for the project,

He said he would consider doing more marathons to raise money for the cause, especially as the support in London was so positive.

He said: "The support of the crowd was amazing. There were water stands every mile and a lot of them were manned by Scouts. I think I was the only person running dressed in full Scout uniform so they let out a cheer every time I got near. It was like crossing the winning line every mile."

Richard, who went down to London with his wife Michele, who is a Beaver leader with 1st Alton Manor, completed the race in four hours and 34 minutes.

He said if he did more marathons his aim was to complete them in under four hours.

There is still time to sponsor Richard.

Visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/richardhenshaw