Boy with cerebral palsy, autism finishes marathon to raise funds for children’s hospital | Inquirer News

Boy with cerebral palsy, autism finishes marathon to raise funds for children’s hospital

/ 05:55 PM June 01, 2020

Tobias Weller

Tobias Weller, right, and his mom Ruth Garbutt. Images: Facebook/Paces Sheffield

A 9-year-old boy with cerebral palsy and autism finished a marathon using a walking frame to raise funds for a children’s hospital and his school.

Tobias Weller completed the 42-meter walk over 70 days on a street outside his house in Sheffield, England, as per BBC yesterday, May 31.

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Police also sectioned off the said street for the final 750 meters that Weller walked yesterday.

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When Weller completed the last stretch of his walk, he received cheers from his neighbors. Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust posted a clip from the event on Twitter.

Weller’s initiative was inspired by World War II veteran Tom Moore, a captain who served in India. Moore raised over $15 million (over P762 million) for charities last April by walking the length of his 25-meter garden 100 times.

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Weller, who has been nicknamed “Captain Tobias” by his supporters, was able to raise 46,000 pounds ($57,000 or P2.8 million) from his effort. As per report, his initial goal was to only reach 500 pounds ($620 or over P31,200).

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The amount raised will be given to Paces School where Weller attends classes, and to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital through its emergency COVID-19 appeal.

Following the end of his marathon, Weller’s mother Ruth Garbutt said she was “bursting with pride” for him.

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“He’s tried so hard all the way through,” she was quoted as saying. “He’s really achieved a massive goal.”

Meanwhile, Weller expressed that he “can’t believe” he completed the marathon.

“It’s just awesome,” he said in the report.  “l love it when my [neighbors] clap and cheer for me and getting stronger and stronger every day is such a good feeling.”

After the success of Weller’s fundraiser, Garbutt stated that they still plan on walking and set a new goal of 50 kilometers. Ryan Arcadio/JB

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TAGS: autism, England, fundraising, Marathon

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