PROFOUNDLY deaf Minehead runner Edward Cleere raised nearly £2,500 to help a children’s charity when he ran last weekend’s London Marathon.

Mr Cleere, who is a National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) advocate for deaf children and young people, was born profoundly deaf and is ‘deeply passionate’ about the charity’s work to remove barriers for them.

He said: “It was an honour and a privilege to run the London Marathon on behalf of the National Deaf Children’s Society this year, as it meant so much to give back to a charity so close to my heart.

“I am grateful to all those who donated towards my fund-raising efforts, as well as those who supported me on the day.

“Growing up with profound hearing loss, I was incredibly fortunate to benefit from NDCS invaluable support in further developing my sense of deaf identity and self-confidence.

“I will always be grateful to those at NDCS for their dedication and encouragement.

“From feelings of social isolation to a lack of appropriate support in school, many deaf children and young people are sadly at risk of being left behind.”

NDCS’s Melissa Jones said: “I want to say a huge thank you to Edward for taking on this challenge for us.

“To conquer the London Marathon is a fantastic achievement.

“We are so proud of what you have achieved.

“The National Deaf Children’s Society is dedicated to supporting the UK’s deaf children and their families.

“We are ambitious and we will not stop until we have broken down every barrier.

“We work fast to give families what they need and make a lasting difference

“The efforts of selfless fund-raisers such as Edward will help us to keep on doing our vital work, now and into the future.”

Anybody who wants to support Mr Cleere’s marathon effort can find his fund-raising page online.