GRAFTON School's new building fund is £500 better off thanks to the endeavours of parent Lorraine McGowan who completed the Flora 2002 London Marathon despite being advised to drop out after 19 miles.

Mrs McGowan, who was living in Milton Lilbourne at the time but now lives in East Grafton, developed huge blisters about two thirds of the way round the marathon course.

Ambulance medics bandaged her feet and advised her to quit but she was so determined to complete the race and raise money for the Marlborough-based charity, Children First International, that she ignored their advice and completed the race.

The Gazette subsequently photographed her with her heavily bandaged feet.

On Tuesday Mrs McGowan went to the school with charity founder, Colin Mansell, who presented a cheque to headteacher Sarah O'Donnell for £500.