A plucky Stanford-le-Hope parishioner braved “searing” French heat last month to take on the Paris Marathon. St Mary's Hare Park School primary teacher Leah West, 37, took on the 19 mile challenge in order to raise money for charity Mary’s Meals. 40,000 other runners completed the course, along with Leah, of London Road, who was undertaking her second marathon for charity. Chris Meads, from joint parish Our Lady and St Joseph RC Church, said: “Despite the searing sun, she was determined to finish no matter what. What a great achievement for Leah as she raised a massive £793 feeding another 65 children for an entire year.”