A COLCHESTER man crossed the London Marathon finish line next to former Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Rory Kidger, 38, took on the iconic challenge alongside best friend Mark Gleeson.

After completing the 26.2-mile long run in just 3 hours and 52 minutes, Rory was shocked to see himself running alongside Matt Hancock after receiving his official photos.

Rory said: “I actually didn’t realise it was Matt Hancock until I saw the official photographs earlier this week, but it did put a smile on my face.

"And for the record, I definitely crossed the finish line ahead of him rather than beside him!”

Rory decided to run the marathon to support wife Becky, 35, who was diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis.

He raised more than £15,000 for the MS Society on race day, which came just 24 hours before MS awareness week.

Rory said: “MS has impacted every part of our life. We were shocked after the initial diagnosis and scared as we weren’t really sure what it meant for our family.

"We now understand it a little bit more and it’s become easier to comprehend.

"Yet MS still impacts us every day – from what we’re eating to how we manage stressful situations. It’s ever-present."

The condition affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting how people move, think and feel.

Becky Kidger, who was in the crowd cheering Rory and Mark on, said: “I wish everyone had a Rory and Mark because it’s hard to feel anything but positive in their presence.

“People have been so generous with their donations and it makes me so emotional.

"It also really spurs me on to keep going, keep my head up and to keep smiling, knowing everyone is behind me.” 

Symptoms are different for everyone but can include fatigue, pain, vision problems and mobility issues.

Rory said: “It’s incredible to have raised over £15,000. We definitely didn’t expect to raise that amount of money, but the response has been amazing.

"Becky, her parents and their friends organised an afternoon tea that got us off the blocks and since then we’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by lots of amazing friends and family."