A CARE manager whose training regime for the London Marathon consisted of eating Mars Bars and drinking lager has raised £1,000 for the home where he works.

Barrie Taylor, 38, who works at St Cecilia's Cheshire Home, in Sundridge Road, Bromley, completed the marathon in five hours and 50 minutes and said the “atmosphere was great”.

“I was bullied about my training regime, but I completed the marathon in less than six hours which was a real endurance test.”

The money he has raised will go towards the current £2.2million redevelopment of the home for severely disabled people.

Mr Taylor added: “I ran the marathon 10 years ago in under five hours but I was younger, trimmer and a fit RAF nurse then.

“This time, I'd be happy just to get around, especially for such a deserving cause.

“The redevelopment will provide our residents with new en-suite facilities, better physiotherapy and occupational therapy and will result in much better nursing conditions for staff, which will improve our service.”

The “Raising the Roof” appeal will be the largest charity building project in Bromley for the next two years. For more information about the appeal, call 020 8460 8377.