A Branscombe man has run the London Marathon as the latest in a series of challenges in memory of his nephew.

Tim Reardon, 56, has already completed a triathlon and climbed Snowdon and Scafell Pike.

He has set himself a total of 26 tough physical challenges – one for each year of the life of his nephew Billy Giles, who died in January 2021. Through his challenges he’s fundraising for the youth mental health charity Place2Be.

He completed the London Marathon on April 21 in four hours and 15 minutes – a faster time than the average for men in his age group.

Sidmouth Herald: Tim with his London Marathon medal

Tim told the Herald: “It was an amazing experience with the crowds and the whole atmosphere of the event.

“Towards the end, maybe the last two miles, was the hardest and all I kept thinking about was Billy and I know that’s what got me to the end.

“I was also wearing one of Billy’s Adidas tops which was also very emotional, as his mum - my sister-in law – and Billy's sisters along with my wife were also there.

“They were about 600 metres from the end and seeing them just before I crossed the line was also very emotional but the feeling of crossing the line was an amazing achievement.”

Sidmouth Herald: Tim at the summit of Scafell PikeTim's chosen charity Place2Be is working to improve mental health support for children in schools. Billy did not get the understanding or help he needed at a young age, and his mental health deteriorated from then on. Place2Be's work is preventing other young people from slipping through the net.

With the Marathon completed, the challenges continue. Tim is heading to Scotland in May to climb Ben Nevis. He plans to walk Hadrian’s Wall, cycle from London to Brighton and undertake various running and rowing feats.

To see Tim’s full list of challenges and donate to his cause, visit his JustGiving fundraising page.