Two regulars at The Elite Fish & Chip Company recently took on the London Marathon to raise money for the Poppy Appeal, but the amount raised has surprised everyone involved!

Runners David Moulds and his wife Michaela from Welton have raised a whopping £4,341.20 thanks to kind customers at The Elite, sponsors online and charity boxes dotted around the county.

The Elite Fish and Chip Company has chosen the Poppy Appeal as its charitable focus for 2016, with other events planned throughout the year. When they heard the couple were tackling the London Marathon, they agreed to sponsor them with £1,000 to boost their fundraising, but kind customers have donated even more.

In previous marathons David has donned a Bananaman costume, but this year he wore a poppy outfit emblazoned with Royal British Legion and Elite logos.

Michaela said: "We’ve had a really amazing marathon and the support that Elite and the Poppy Appeal have given us, particularly online with social media, has been incredible!

"We’re absolutely over the moon with the totals that have been raised, so we just want to say thanks to all involved!”

The couple both finished with new personal bests and even got stopped and filmed for the BBC Onecoverage. The inspiring pair were also filmed by the organisers of the marathon, Virgin Money, as well as the Royal British Legion’s fundraising teams.

Rachel Tweedale of the Elite Fish & Chip Company said: "We want to say a big well done to David and Michaela and an even bigger thank you to all the customers who have contributed. All of your pennies dropped into the boxes and buckets make a difference!”

Rachel added: "The Poppy Appeal does so much for the armed forces and we’re glad to be raising for such a worthy cause. Remember too that we always offer a 10% discount for all military personnel.”

The Elite are still collecting and hope to reach around £10,000 before the year is out. Collection tins and buckets are in all restaurants and takeaways for donations, so give generously!