A BARROW man will take on the Great Cumbrian Run this weekend to raise money in memory of his 12-year-old nephew.

Tom Heal, 35, will be taking part in the event inspired by Ben Plinston who died in February this year at a children’s hospice in Chorley, Lancashire.

Ben, from Ulverston, suffered from Kabuki syndrome – a rare disorder which causes various disorders.

He was a pupil at Sandside Lodge School in Ulverston. During his life he underwent four major surgical operations due to complications with his heart.

Back in 2017 Ben won the Young Courage Award at the Heart of Ulverston Awards.

Tom is doing Sunday’s run to raise money for Carlisle Mencap.

He said: “Ben has inspired me to run the Great North Run and the Coniston 14 in the past, and now the Great Cumbrian Run.

"Ben regularly attended the Hart Street respite centre for children in Ulverston (run by Carlisle Mencap) so that is why I am raising funds for Carlisle Mencap.”

Jake Spedding, whose mum Pamela has worked at the Hart Street centre for 15 years, will also be running on Sunday.

Jake, 23, from Dalton, said: “I’m looking to raise at least £300 to help children with learning disabilities across Cumbria. Carlisle Mencap’s Hart Street centre provides facilities for people between eight and 18 so any support will be gratefully received to help improve those facilities as well as funding day trips as well.”

To sponsor Tom, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tom-heal2 To sponsor Jake, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jake-spedding