A London Marathon veteran who was the oldest entrant on four occasions has died, aged 92.
East Londoner Paul Freedman ran his final marathon in 2015 at the age of 90. He had come to running late in life, founding the Havering 90 joggers group when he was 62. He ran his first half-marathon that year and went on to become a regular in the London race. A heart attack at 79 did not deter him - he regarded it as an inconvenience. He relished the publicity which came with being the oldest participant.
His efforts helped to raise £100,000 for the St Francis Hospice, which cared for his beloved wife Teeny in her final days. His Entertainers group, organising performances for the sick and elderly, has given 760 shows and he also supported Ajex. He was made an MBE in 2008.
Pam Court, chief executive of the St Francis Hospice in Havering, said Mr Freedman was "the most incredible ambassador for the hospice and a great inspiration to everyone who met him”.
A London Marathon spokesperson expressed sadness at his death. The funeral was at Waltham Abbey Cemetery.
