THE ASSISTANT headteacher of Burnt Mill Academy, Shawki Bakkar conquered the London Marathon on Sunday.

He overcame very difficult conditions to run the 26 miles and 385 yards in 6 hrs and 56 minutes.

The charismatic teacher has run a wonderful campaign on the roads and on social media in order to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

What is also remarkable is that by January, his longest run was only seven miles, however, there was a cheerful determination in Shawki’s psyche that gave the impression that he was going to finish.

Well done, Mr Bakkar. Everyone is very proud of you.