Cllr Darren Ennis with his London Marathon medal

A Burntwood councillor has raised more than £1,500 to help fund new defibrillators by running the London Marathon.

Cllr Darren Ennis, a member of the opposition Labour group at Burntwood Town Council, has launched a campaign to provide more of the life-saving pieces of equipment across the area.

Cllr Darren Ennis with his London Marathon medal
Cllr Darren Ennis with his London Marathon medal

He said the pain of the run was more than worth it.

“I was lucky enough to run the London Marathon – though my legs did not thank me,” Darren said. “The money raised is enough for me to donate a community defibrillator for the people of Burntwood.

“I cannot thank my sponsors enough, the support I have had from people is amazing. In my darkest hours of the marathon when I was contemplating stopping for a massage and a bacon sandwich, it was these guys I thought of and that is what pushed me over the finish line.

“Now it means Burntwood will, by the end of the summer, have one more defibrillator. These are important life-saving machines which need to be available 24/7.”

Cllr Ennis finished the course around the capital in a time of four hours 38 minutes.

And he admits it was an experience he won’t forget in a hurry.

“The day was amazing and the people who turn out to watch are some of the best in the world. How people have the power to clap their hands, cheer on and push people on for eight hours amazes me.

“I’m very happy with my time, considering I’m a councillor who did little training and spends most of his days on his bum at a desk!”

People can still donate to Cllr Ennis’ efforts to fund new defibrillators in Burntwood online.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.