A retired teacher took on a gruelling marathon challenge in support of a charity which helps children escape poverty, abuse neglect.

Tom Clendon, 55, from St Albans, completed the 26.2mile London Marathon in 5 hours 43 seconds on April 22, to support The Children’s Society.

The charity provides services for some of the most vulnerable children across the country.

Tom’s has a close connection with the work of The Children’s Society because his mother is a former chair of the charity’s fundraising committee in St Albans, and his grandmother was brought up in a children’s home.

She later went on to become a doctor.

These have strongly influenced Tom’s passion for giving vulnerable children and young people as much support as possible so they can have fulfilling lives.

To date, Tom has raised £2,500 for The Children’s Society.

Talking about the London Marathon, Tom said: “I am really proud to have completed this year’s London Marathon for The Children’s Society – it feels amazing. 

“It was really tough at times but knowing that I was helping the charity to support vulnerable children and young people gave me the inspiration to see it through.” 

The Children’s Society’s supporter engagement officer, Jay Cedras, said: “Completing the London Marathon is a truly remarkable accomplishment and Tom’s outstanding efforts will help to make a real difference to young people’s lives. 

“We are so grateful to Tom, along with all of our London Marathon runners for taking part and supporting our vital work.”

To support Tom visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/clendon
For more information go to https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/