A south Bucks pensioner who has run every London Marathon since it started in 1981, completed his 36th race on Sunday.

David Walker, 70, from Chesham, who trains with running group Chiltern Harriers, crossed the finish line in five hours 46 minutes and said he was inspired to first take part after successfully completing the Sunday Times Fun Run in Hyde Park in 1978.

David is one of just 12 runners who have taken part in every single London Marathon since its inception, with the group calling themselves the Ever Present.

The oldest member of the group is 82 and the youngest is 57.

He said: “I started running in the London Marathon completely by accident. I had just finished the Fun Run which was a great sense of achievement, and a friend suggested I take part in London. I had no intention of becoming a regular marathon runner but it just happened.”

The father-of-three was 35 when he completed the first London Marathon, which former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan also took part in.

It has now become a family tradition with son John, 29, having completed 26.5-mile route 12 times. All three of his children competed with him in 2003.

He has raised more than £15,000 for various charities over the years and this year, supported Tommy’s, a charity that funds research into the causes and prevention of pregnancy complications that lead to miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth, having experienced these difficulties within his own family. He has already raised more than 60 per cent of his £800 target.

He added: “I carried on as I just wanted to keep it going. It’s great to see some of the other guys and it has become a part of what the family does.”

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/David-Walker-Everpresent.