Leprechaun postie's first-class marathon

Tony Meehan, aged 55, nicknamed the Loopy Leprechaun, tackled the gruelling course last month to raise money for Action Heart, based at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley.

He first used the costume five years ago for the marathon after a dare by cousin Michelle Smith, aged 40, who lives in Mullingar, Ireland.

"All the people that have supported me have just been terrific," said Mr Meehan, of Vicarage Road, Wednesbury, .

"It has been and still is a difficult time for everybody to cope financially, but the support from people here in the Midlands has been phenomenal and I am overjoyed that we have raised so much."

Mr Meehan, born in Smethwick, has already raised more than £5,000 for Action Heart, more than £2,000 for Birmingham Children's Hospital and £3,000 for the Autistic Kids of Sandwell charity.

"The readers of the Express & Star have been wonderful and it has been a big part of my fundraising," added the fathere of one.

"The crowd down in London were the best ever and by the end of the race my arm was aching because of all the high-fives I had done on my way around.

"I want to say a really big thanks for people getting behind me."

Mr Meehan also recently launched a fundraising page on a popular fundraising website raising more than £100 for the cause.

To sponsor Mr Meehan, visit www. justgiving.com/tony meehan or call 0121 505 2127.