A WREXHAM man surprised his girlfriend by popping the question after finishing the London Marathon.

Gareth Bennett, 24, dropped to one knee and proposed to Katie Williams, 25, after he completed the 26.2 mile course on Sunday.

He said: “I have been wanting to propose for a while and saw the marathon as a great opportunity. Our family and friends would all be there so it was perfect.

“I was an emotional mess from the marathon anyway but I new I had to get to the end to see her. I was so happy when she said yes I really struggled to get my words out but she could see what I was doing.”

The couple, who live in Acton, Wrexham, work at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Gareth as a medical assistant and Katie as a nurse.

A group of around 11 friends and family members had joined the pair on the trip - and there was a jubilant response from them and others when a delighted Katie said “yes”.

Gareth joked that it was lucky he still had the ring with him as he ran the marathon with it in his back pocket.

Gareth said: “Lots of people started cheering and congratulated us. Our family had champagne with them which they hid from Katie all day.”

The family went out for a meal to celebrate after the proposal and beforehand the newly-engaged couple went to a party held by Macmillan - for whom Gareth was fundraising - where they were met by a huge round of applause.

The couple met and Bangor University and have been together for six years.

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The moment Gareth popped the question

Gareth added: “She’s just a lovely person and we clicked as soon as we met - and obviously she’s a beautiful lady.”

A video of the proposal had attracted more than 2,500 views on Facebook and 500 likes on Instagram, along with many messages congratulating the happy couple.

Gareth braved the hottest temperatures ever at the race to complete the 26.2 mile course in four hours, nine minutes and 57 seconds.

He raised more than £4,000 - which he hopes will rise to £5,000 - for Macmillan Cancer Support as his mother Jan Bennett has a tumour.

Of the amount raised, he said: “I’m overwhelmed to be honest. I can’t believe how generous how people are.”

To donate to Gareth’s appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gareth-bennett14.