A neurosurgeon has completed his fourth marathon in a row to raise money for a cancer charity in memory of his late wife.

Raghu Vindlacheruvu raised more than £8,000 for Breast Cancer Now in memory of his wife Mamatha, when he completed the 26.2-mile course on Sunday.

Mr Vindlacheruvu, a consultant neurosurgeon at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUHT), thought he has missed his chance to run a marathon after turning 40.

However, now 48, the surgeon was inspired after his wife lost a battle with breast cancer in 2014 to get his running shoes on for charity.

Since Mamatha’s death, the dad-of-two has completed the marathon each year, raising thousands of pounds for both Cancer Research and Breast Cancer Now.

Sunday’s marathon was his favourite yet and he completed it in a personal best three hours and 47 minutes, despite the record heat.

“I am not sure if it was the atmosphere or that the weather was nice but it was the first marathon I actually enjoyed,” Mr Vindlacheruvu said.

“I was much faster than last year.

“The spectators are really important, and my family was there to cheer me on, there were runners of all ages, shapes and sizes and there was just an amazing atmosphere.”

As well as the marathon, Mr Vindlacheruvu will also take part in Ride London in July. He also holds events to boost his fundraising, including a party in the run-up to the marathon this year.

He added: “Before the marathon I trained six days a week. You have to have the commitment and what is important for me is to have a good team around me, which I do at the trust.

“I needed to do something after Mamatha died and I’ve seen amazing generosity when I’ve been fundraising.”