A man born and raised in Watford is set to tackle his first London Marathon for charity.

Tony Baum will be running on behalf of Letchworth-based charity Herts MS Therapy Centre and is sure to be familiar with many of the sights and streets when he steps up for the event on Sunday, April 23.

That's because Tony, 39, has spent most of his career working in the capital.

He is head concierge in one of London's plushest places – Belgravia Gate, a prestigious 14-flat complex complete with all mod cons including private kitchens, wine storage, spa and swimming pool.

Watford Observer: Runners reach the Isle of Dogs during the TCS London Marathon on Sunday October 2, 2022.Runners reach the Isle of Dogs during the TCS London Marathon on Sunday October 2, 2022. (Image: PA Wire/PA Images/PYui Mok)

Although he now lives in Pimlico with his wife wife Sunyoung, daughters Alexa, 7, Chloe, 4, and newcomer Henry the Labrador, one of his hobbies is based in the heart of Watford – the football club.

He said: “Although my dad Harvey is a Liverpool fan, my grandfather John liked Watford and I followed his lead.”

Just as Tony likes to support his local football team, he also wants to raise money for a local charity.

“I've heard all about the fantastic work Herts MS Therapy Centre does and how their oxygen therapies help so many people,” he said

“Charities like them are not only providing a vital service, they are also taking some of the strain off the NHS.”

Tony explained how he has been preparing for the race.

You will not see him pounding the London pavements preparing for the 26.2-mile run because Tony prefers to practice in leafy Hyde Park, just round the corner from his current workplace.

He said: “I know it so well that it is the perfect place to practice as I am familiar with the surroundings.

“I can relax when I'm running and I'm instinctively aware of the distance I have covered by the park's particular features and landmarks.

“I usually run 5k but I'm starting to run longer distances, including running with some friends down the country lanes to Chipperfield and Sarratt.”

If you would like to support Tony and the charity, you can make a donation here https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/tony-baum.

Oxygen sessions at Herts MS Therapy Centre are used as a complementary therapy that can help some people.

The charity said it is safe to try and natural.

For more than 30 years the charity has helped thousands of people with MS, Parkinson's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, ME, fibromyalgia, sleep apnoea, leg ulcers and cancer.

It has also helped people recover from long Covid.