Kia Motors (UK) president and chief executive Paul Philpott and customer service manager Sonia Appleby raised £45,000 for children’s charities in completing Sunday’s London Marathon.

Philpott (pictured) completed the course in four hours and 17 minutes, Appleby in five hours and five minutes.

Philpott was running on behalf of Kia’s UK charity partner, The Children’s Trust which provides specialised care and support for young people affected by brain injury – often sustained in road traffic accidents.

Appleby raised money for Shooting Star Chase – a children’s hospice charity.

Both charities have their head offices near Kia’s Walton on Thames, Surrey base.

Philpott said: “Completing the London Marathon was a fantastic experience it was a privilege to take part on behalf of The Children’s Trust.

“I was humbled by the generosity of family, friends and colleagues in the industry and I know this money will make a huge difference to the lives of young people with brain injuries.”

Appleby said: “It has been a hard year building up to the marathon – but worth every minute. Kia considered Shooting Star Chase as a possible charity partner and I was so struck by their work that I felt I had to do something personally to support them.”

Neither were committed runners before deciding to undertake the challenge.