Athlete Ruben Hedman is setting his sights on a British title this year with the support of Persimmon Homes.

Persimmon Homes Essex, based in Witham, has sponsored the hurdler for a second year running as he continues to rise through the ranks.

We awarded Ruben £1,000 from the Community Champions fund, designed to create a lasting legacy within the communities within which we are working.

Ruben has competed for Junior Team GB and at the end of last season was ranked 2nd in the UK for U23 60m hurdles and 3rd for U23 110m hurdles.

The 20-year-old, also from Witham and currently studying sports psychology at St Mary’s in Twickenham, now has his sights set on qualifying to represent Team GB at the U23 European Championships in July.

He has been incorporating more strength and conditioning into his training program during the winter, and is aiming to slash his time to qualify later this year.

He said: “Thank you to Persimmon Homes for once again sponsoring me, this donation will help fund training and physiotherapy as I continue to work towards my goal. I am grateful for this support ahead of what I hope will be my best season yet.”

Richard Hush, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Essex, said: “Ruben is a talented and dedicated athlete and we are delighted to be able to sponsor him as he strives for the very top of his sport.

“Persimmon Homes is proud to be building communities here in Essex and working with people like Ruben who are looking to put Essex on the map.”