London Marathon runner thanks hero who helped him to finish line

A London Marathon runner has thanked a fellow athlete who helped guide him to the finish line and was "there to the end".

Just 200 metres from the end of the 26.2-mile course, David Wyeth began to stumble and had to be held up by passing runner Matthew Rees.

Helped by a marshal, Mr Rees walked Mr Wyeth up The Mall as they were applauded to the finish line by a crowd that included Princes William and Harry.

The pair then separated and Mr Wyeth was taken away for medical treatment.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Wyeth said footage of himself struggling to stand up were his "final moments" before he "crumbled to the floor".

He said: "Before that, I hadn't been running in a straight line for a mile or so - it was just a fight for the line.

"Being such a good runner himself, Matthew knew what to say, the right words to comfort and give me encouragement to get on.

"I was asking for his support, I needed to get to the line.

"Matthew gave up his own race for me which is just wonderful, he is such a gentleman."

Mr Wyeth, who was running the marathon in memory of his uncle, has raised more than £8,250 for Isabel Hospice after well-wishers flooded his online fundraising page with donations.

He added: "What was so nice is that even when an organiser came over to support me on the other side, (Matthew) still wouldn't let me go.

"He was there until the end."

Swansea Harriers runner Mr Rees has been praised for encompassing the spirit of the marathon.

The 29-year-old bank worker told Sky News he felt it was "more important to help someone finish" than attempt to achieve his target time.

He said: "Our moment was caught on TV but throughout the race runners and spectators are helping each other out.

"I came round that final corner and saw David's legs give way and there was no way I could just leave him there.

"He was so determined and kept telling me 'I need to finish'.

"I told him he would finish, to stick with me and we would get there."