Once Arnold Schwarzenegger played the Running Man. Now he has dug into his pocket to support a running woman.

The star of blockbuster films The Terminator and Commando showed his nicer side by sponsoring trainee solicitor Sinclair Sellars in the Flora London Marathon earlier this month.

Although a global megastar, Arnie has always shown his Total Recall for people who helped him on the road to fame and fortune.

Sinclair's aunt put a roof over his head when he was a struggling bodybuilder and he has always remembered her kindness.

So when her niece, who is training in Worthing with the firm Thomas Eggar, took part in the marathon, he was happy to help out.

Sinclair, 25, said: "He is a family friend. He became friends with my aunt a long time ago. She helped him out when he was about 19.

"He hardly spoke any English when he arrived for a bodybuilding contest where my aunt and uncle were judges. He didn't win but he ended up living with them for a while."

Under the guidance of Sinclair's relatives, Arnie went on to win the Mr Universe competition.

It led to roles in films such as Conan The Barbarian and he eventually became one of Hollywood's biggest stars.

Sinclair said: "I have met Arnold a few times in Los Angeles and London. He is really nice, very kind and generous.

"I have not heard from him since the race but I'm friends with everyone in his office."

Sinclair raised more than £1,000 for Cancer Research UK in the gruelling 26-mile run, which she completed in five hours and 42 minutes.

She said: "I'm very happy with my finishing time. It's certainly much better than the eight hours some of my family predicted I would take. It's great to have completed the race but it won't be something I'll do again in a hurry."