He preaches to his congregation about going the extra mile, but now one Norfolk vicar has been doing just that by pulling on his running shoes.

He preaches to his congregation about going the extra mile, but now one Norfolk vicar has been doing just that by pulling on his running shoes.

Reverend Nigel Kinsella successfully completed the Norwich half marathon yesterday in two hours and four minutes to raise money for the charity helping his ill son.

Accompanied on the run by five of his friends and parishioners, the East Harling vicar raised hundred of pounds for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

He said: “It was a very humbling experience - especially seeing lots of other people running with photos on their back saying they are running in memory of a loved one.”

The Rev Kinsella said he was delighted to finish and although the reason for running was an emotional one it was a positive day.

He added: “It was fun, really nice although I wasn't as fast as some of my friends it was excellent to have completed it. There was one big nasty hill for the last mile though.

“We had perfect weather too - great to run in if you wrap up.”

All of the six runners, which included Sarah Ford, 42, Rebekah McNicol, 42, David McNicol, 44, Steve Kelley, 51, and Shane Baker, 18, were running for CLIC Sargent and The Rev Kinsella's son Ben, 15, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in May this year.

Rev Kinsella, who lives in East Harling and whose parish includes seven churches in the area, said his family had benefited from the support of the charity's out-reach nurses and family support worker.

The 42-year-old said: “They have made a real difference to us and it makes you recognise how much the need is to have CLIC Sargent funded even more.”

The Evening News launched an appeal last month to raise money for the charity, and Rev Kinsella knows first hand the importance of its work because of his son's illness.

He said: “We think between us we will have raised about £1,000 and that is great news for the charity.”

Rev Kinsella is planning to run the London marathon next year for the charity, as well as organised a range of events to help boost their funds.

He added: “Everyone was really supportive when running, which was lovely. It was a great group.”

Are you fundraising for CLIC Sargent or have you been helped by the charity? Contact Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk

For more on the marathon see today's sports pages.