A dedicated hospice volunteer was left bitterly disappointed when his leg broke a mile into Sunday’s London Marathon.

Ronnie Gunning went to extreme fundraising lengths ahead of the race, holding raffles, singing in a shopping centre and collecting money at stations.

He even persuaded his employer, Chiltern Railways, to offer free travel to runners and provide match funding.

However, a mile in and his tibia broke mid-run, baffling doctors and leaving him in a full leg cast.

A Princess Alice Hospice spokesman said: “Ronnie feels that he has let Princess Alice Hospice down; however, this is certainly not the case.

"He deserves full recognition for his sterling efforts in raising funds and increasing awareness of the charity at his place of work.”

The hospice had 25 runners, who pledged to raise more than £46,000, which will help bring the hospice closer to its annual fundraising target.

If you would like to lift the spirits of Mr Gunning, donate at justgiving.com/ronniegunnning.