A local runner has raised more than £1,500 for Exmouth RNLI by completing his first marathon.

Joe Sansom completed the Great West Run on Sunday, May 21 in one hour and 35 minutes. He had set a fundraising target of £1,000, but has so far raised £1,535, and his JustGiving page is still open for donations.

Joe, 30, was born and raised in Exmouth and is a keen water user. He said: “I am aware of the phenomenal work the RNLI do to keep us all safe through their 24-hour voluntary search and rescue provision. I really enjoyed the run and I’m happy to have raised so much for our local lifesavers.

“I’m very grateful to all those who supported me and donated so generously to this very worthwhile cause.”

Joe works in sales and marketing at the long-established family business MPS Glass & Window Centre, which is a strong supporter of Exmouth RNLI. Last summer the company stepped in to carry out an urgent repair to a broken 8 x 4-foot window at the lifeboat station, free of charge, treating the cost of the work as a donation to the charity. The work involved visiting the station at night, assessing the damage, manufacturing the shaped window and fitting it - all of which was successfully completed by the MPS team in less than 48 hours. Managing director Malcolm Sansom received a special certificate of recognition from the RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, in gratitude for the donation.

Des White, chair of the Exmouth RNLI fundraising team, said, “I’m so pleased that Joe did so well in completing his first half marathon and raise essential funds for Exmouth RNLI. On behalf of all the volunteers at Exmouth RNLI, I thank him and his supporters for their invaluable help. All funds raised by Joe will be used for essential training and equipment for the volunteer Exmouth Lifeboat crews to enable them to continue their vital work saving lives at sea.”

To contribute to Joe’s fundraising for Exmouth RNLI, visit his JustGiving page.