Toddler Eady joins record run for Dispossessed

A record 20,000 Londoners took part in the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile to help raise money for the capital's most disadvantaged communities.

Runners ranging from a toddler to a stroke victim took part in the race along The Mall with a host of celebrities and sports stars.

Evening Standard’s Dispossessed Fund was given a £1 million grant on Friday after its campaign urging Londoners to sign up to enter yesterday’s event.

Matthew O’Donaghue, 37, who ran with his two-year-old daughter Eady, said: “She walked a good three quarters of the race which is a good effort.”

The web developer from Camberwell said the pair had raised £360. He added: “We did this run two years ago when Eady was just six months old so it’s nice to return and I hope we’ll be here again, it’s great to put something back.”

Amber Carbon, 14, ran the event to help her severely disabled friend take part in a race for the first time. She ran alongside Vitor Jaquite, 28, who suffers from cerebral palsy. The teenager from Maida Vale said: “I’ve never done something like this before but I think I’ll do it again next time, maybe I’ll even try to do three miles.”

Stroke victim Alan Oliver, who was inspired to take part after meeting David Walliams, who swam the length of the Thames in aid of the charity last year, managed to walk 300 yards to the finishing line.

The 71-year-old from Chelsea, who was told he would never walk again after suffering a major stroke six years ago, was cheered on by Walliams. “It was really nice of him to come and wish me well,” said Mr Oliver. “Seeing him swim the Thames spurred me on to the finishing line.”

Famous faces who joined London Milers during the one, three and six mile events, included James Cracknell, David Tennant, Sir Steve Redgrave, Dame Kelly Holmes and boyband JLS.

More than one million men, women and children, including Prime Minister David Cameron, took part in the Sport Relief Mile events across the country, so far raising just over £52 million.