Sam inspired to run by brother Tom

Photo: Anthony Miller

Sam Blakeborough and brother Tom

A FITNESS fanatic will be running the Manchester Marathon at the weekend to raise money for The Royal Oldham Hospital - to thank them for taking care of his baby brother.

Oldham Sixth Form College student Sam Blakeborough (18), from Alkrington, Middleton, will don his running shoes for Sunday’s race to raise funds for the neonatal unit at the hospital.

His brother Tom was born prematurely, at just 24 weeks, in January last year and spent 17 weeks in hospital before being given the all-clear.

Sam, who studies A-level government and politics, German and history, said: “Since my brother got better I wanted to be able to do something to help people in the same situation that me and my family were in.”

He recently suffered an injury to his knee but is determined not to let that ruin his chances of raising at least £1,000 for the hospital. So far he has raised just under £500.

He added: “Now it’s just a matter of getting as fit as possible. I’m very competitive and I’m just trying to channel that.”

Mum Kristen Mitchell (38) said: “The support we received from the doctors and nurses was outstanding. They definitely turned into family after spending so long there.”

Sam, who has a black belt in jujitsu, will be cheered on by Kristen’s husband Gareth Mitchell and two-year-old sister Daisy. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at www.justgiving.com/run4tomthumb.

Twitter: @IramRamzanOC