A FATHER battled through the elements to raise more than £1,000 for a charity that helped his son who was born seriously ill.

Tim Prosser, 40, from Basildon, raised £1,200 for The Sick Children’s Trust by taking on a virtual half marathon when the Beast from the East forced the Brentwood Half Marathon to be cancelled for the first time in 37 years.

He chose to support the charity after it helped provide his family with free accommodation while his son was being treated.

Tim’s son, Jack, was born starved of oxygen for ten minutes.

He was rushed from Southend Hospital to the Royal London Children’s Hospital.

While Jack underwent emergency cooling treatment for 78 hours to reduce his core body temperature, Tim and his wife, Victoria, were given a room at Stevenson House, run by The Sick Children’s Trust.

The more than £1,000 donation was Tim’s opportunity to thank the charity for supporting his family when Jack was born.

Speaking about the event, and being able to raise the cash for the charity, Tim, said: “I’m delighted with how much money I have managed to raise for this amazing charity.

“I’ve had incredible support from lots of family and friends and the general public, who heard what I was doing and took the time to visit my fundraising page.

“I was so disappointed when the Brentwood Half Marathon was cancelled.

“I began looking into other half marathons that I could run instead to justify everyone’s support and sponsorship, but they were all months away.

“When the organisers said I could complete the race virtually, I was thrilled and jumped at the chance.”

Vicki Roots, community fundraising officer at The Sick Children’s Trust, added:

“Everyone at The Sick Children’s Trust has been amazed by Tim’s determination to complete his fundraising challenge for us despite the dreadful weather.

“When he first told me that the race was cancelled I really felt for him because I knew just how much hard work he had put into training.

“The money Tim has raised will make a big difference and help support even more families, like the Prossers, who need a ‘home from home’ when their child is very seriously ill in hospital.”

To find out more about Tim’s story or to add your support go to: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tim-prosser1