A 25-year-old runner from Brentwood was the first runner to proudly cross the finish line of this year’s London Marathon to raise money for The Children’s Society.

Tim Baker completed the gruelling 26.2 mile course in an incredible three hours, 7 minutes on Sunday to support the charity’s work with the most vulnerable children across the country suffering abuse, hardship and neglect.

Tim has a longstanding connection with The Children’s Society, and his family have been donating to the charity via collection boxes in their home all his life. His family also supports the charity via their local church.

The committed young runner has been training four or five times a week, and once ran the 18-mile journey to from Brentwood to his office in Canary Warf in preparation for the big event.

Tim ran the London Marathon last year, but managed to shave half an hour from his time, which he said he “couldn’t believe.”

So far, Tim has raised £1,150 towards the charity’s work with vulnerable young people and will continue his fundraising efforts in the coming weeks.

A group of his friends and family were there to cheer him on at the event, and have been supporting him throughout his training.

Reflecting on his personal achievement and resolve to make a difference, Tim said: “It’s been a great day! The Children’s Society team has supported me all the way; they’ve provided me with really helpful running knowledge.

"It’s been amazing!”

The Children’s Society’s Head of Events, Stephanie Drummond says: “Tim’s inspiring efforts and passion for helping young people are humbling and we hope other people are motivated by his determination to make a difference.

"Every mile relentlessly accomplished by our runners will have raised funds to help us continue our life-changing work with children who often have nowhere else to turn.”

Donate to Tim’s Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/TBaker25