DESPITE a severe fear of heights meaning he had to close his eyes while crossing Tower Bridge, and a knee injury which scuppered a lot of his training over the past months, Asperger's suffer Matthew Denton still managed to complete the London Marathon for this chosen charity in a time close to his goal.

The 28-year-old, from Bierley, who works with children with Austim, was running for Scope and completed the course in five hours and 33 minutes.

"I was really pleased with my time," he said.

"It was really weird. Because I had strained my knee and my physio saying I should rest it, I planned to run for three miles and walk for two round the course.

"But I carried on and when I got to the 10k mark I felt okay.

"I lost a bit of confidence when I got to half way. I have a fear of heights and dreaded going over Tower Bridge. I had to get a woman to hold my hand and run with me over it so I could keep my eyes closed.

"At 17 miles I started to feel a bit sick because of the heat. It was really hot but I managed to keep on going and was so pleased to cross the line.

"My medal is beautiful. I am really proud.

"With money I have collected and some still to come in I think I am at around the £1,850 mark. My JustGiving page is still open.

"My younger brother, Robert, said he would like to run the marathon next year. I haven't decided whether I will enter again or do something else. I fancy doing the Three Peaks.

Matthew said he wanted to run the marathon to raise awareness of autism and Asperger's, as well as for his own self esteem and mental health.

He works in schools around Bradford as a behavioural/special needs assistant and has gained a lot of experience supporting children with a range of disabilities.

Anyone wishing to donate to his fundraising page can still do so at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matty-denton1