Amputee soldier in marathon first

Mr Sandford says he plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in six months

A former soldier from Dorset has become the first person to complete the London Marathon on crutches with one leg.

John Sandford-Hart, 43, of Mudeford, was the last runner to finish on Sunday with a time just short of 13 hours.

He lost the use of his right leg in a boating accident seven years ago, but only had it amputated in February.

He said it was the "hardest thing" he has ever done and was awaiting official confirmation of his time before his feat goes into the record books.

The former Territorial Army soldier has previously completed three marathons on crutches with two legs.

Kilimanjaro challenge

He ran the event in aid of Help for Heroes which supports servicemen and women.

Mr Sandford-Hart said: "It was so hard.

"It was lucky there were still a few people clearing up at the end who gave us the time, we just need to wait for confirmation but Guinness said it should be a new record.

"I have completed the marathon before on crutches but had no idea the difference with just one leg.

"The amount of effort caused so much pain in my wrists, I also have a huge blister on my hand which I need to see a doctor for.

"The feeling of finishing was amazing, but it was the hardest thing I have ever done."

In six months Mr Sandford-Hart plans to scale Mount Kilimanjaro as part of the £100,000 fundraising drive for Help for Heroes with four friends - known as The Band of Five.