Paul’s on the run for Ollie’s Army

Runner Paul Timms has completed 15 half marathons in the run up to Christmas

Paul, a self-employed joiner from Shaw, has raised around £900 for his cousin’s young children Ollie (4) and Amelia (2), who suffer from Battern Disease, a rare genetic disease that will rob them of the ability to walk, talk and see. There is currently no known cure for the nervous system disease.

When Ollie was diagnosed 12 months ago his three siblings were also tested for the illness. His older brothers Danny and Micky were given the all-clear but Amelia tested positive four months later.

A fundraising page, Ollie’s Army, was set up by the parents before Amelia’s diagnosis, with the money going towards medical treatment and house alterations that will be needed to cater for the children’s needs.

Paul (37), a father of two girls, said: “Ollie is struggling to walk and he’s having eye tests — his eyesight is going to deteriorate. The symptoms aren’t as obvious with Amelia but they’re going to come in time.”

Paul woke at 5.30am most days and ran seven half marathons on his own and the rest with his running club and friends.

“The conditions made it very difficult. It was very windy, it rained a lot. I had a cold as well. It did get tough on my own but it was good when I did have company. It made it a lot easier.”

To donate visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/paul-timms-2.