An Oldham schoolteacher has said she cannot stop smiling after completing the London Marathon and raising money for charity.

Roshni Goodwin, 32, ran the marathon in the capital on Sunday (April 21) in memory of two cousins she lost in the last couple of years, raising money for the charity one of them worked for in the process.

In 2022, Roshni's cousin Rebecca died from suicide and less than 12 months later, she also lost her cousin Joanne.

The latter worked for the justice charity Nacro, at their Manchester outdoor learning centre based in Wythenshawe Park, which supports the educational needs of young people through outdoor activities.

Roshni set out to raise £500 for the charity by running the marathon, but has now raised almost three times as much as her initial target.

Donate to Roshni's fundraiser here

She said running the marathon was "a rollercoaster of emotions". 

She said: "It was surreal standing at the start line after all those months of training.

"The support you get from the crowds is absolutely incredible. Every person that shouts your name or words of encouragement from the side boosts you.

"I was lucky enough to see my supporters twice along the course, which was much needed, especially at the 31k mark when I was struggling."

Roshni, who is a teacher at St Margaret's Primary School in Hollinwood, completed the marathon in four hours and 55 minutes and said: "I don't think I have stopped smiling since."

Discussing her fundraising, she said: "I’ve managed to raise over £1,300 for the charity, which is way over the initial target.

"I am so thankful for those who have contributed to that as it is way over what I had expected after also fundraising last year when I completed the Manchester half marathon for PAPYRUS."

Roshni said raising money for Nacro, where her cousin Joanne worked, was "very important" to her and praised the "fantastic job they do for young and vulnerable people".

She added: "The people that work and volunteer for Nacro Outdoor Learning are lovely and I know that the money raised is going towards a fantastic cause.

"It was important for me to be able to continue Jo’s legacy there as I know that would have been important to her."

Reflecting on her achievement, Roshni said: "I never would have thought two years ago that I would be capable of completing a marathon and now I am thinking what I can do next."