Baldwins partner, David Baldwin, ran this year’s London Marathon to raise more than £17,000 for Great Ormond Street despite back and knee injuries

David, an ex-professional footballer for Walsall FC who retired from the game after discovering problems with his spine, completed the 26 mile course in just over six hours.

“I reached the half way point without too much trouble,” said David. “I run in a way which takes the strain off my back, but this impacts on my knees which gave way around the 12-mile mark. I had to stop at every half mile checkpoint to have a leg rub, and ended up in an ambulance a couple of times, but I was determined to finish the race.

“My legs were black with bruising at the end and I could hardly walk but it was worth it to have raised so much money for the hospital. I would do it all again. I’ve recovered enough to start running again and am already in training for next year’s marathon.”