This year’s youngest London Marathon runner raised £5,000 for his chosen charity by completing the showpiece event.

Tom Jarvis from The Avenue in Loughton ran last week's event in 4 hours and 22  minutes, raising £5,000 for the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) in the process.

The former pupil of Davenant Foundation School, who now attends Harlow College, said: “Being a runner was even more amazing than I’d thought. The atmosphere was electric and the crowds really do keep you going. The last 600 metres were the hardest but crossing that finish line made it all worthwhile.

“It felt good running for CAFOD as I’ve supported them all my life – including many years cheering other CAFOD runners along the marathon course. I know all my sponsorship will make a big difference to people living in poverty overseas, so thank you to everyone who donated. 

"I feel a mixture of really tired and really happy. My feet are blistered but I’m looking forward to now celebrating my birthday properly.”

You can still sponsor Tom via his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/Thomas-Jarvis1