Denmead boy, 11, has ‘best birthday ever’ running 10k around his garden to support the NHS

Murray Grinter turned 11 on Friday and decided to dedicate the day to charity 10k run for the NHS, with the generous birthday boy raising more than £800.

Currently confined to his home in Denmead during lockdown with his stepdad Daniel Curtis and mum Emma Curtis, who is shielding due to health issues, Murray wanted to use his big day to make a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mum Emma was worried Murray would be upset to be spending his birthday in lockdown – but he’s had ‘the best birthday ever’ thanks to his memorable fundraising challenge.

She said: ‘After the run, he came in and said, “this has been the best birthday ever”.

‘We were quite surprised.’

Murray said: ‘The best bit of my birthday was opening my cards and presents and finishing my run. It was fun – I hope the money helps.’

The birthday boy continued his challenge even through downpours of hail and rain, according to Emma.

She said: ‘We told him to take a break, but he just put on his waterproof coat and carried on.

‘He got to the last 100 laps and he had a bit of a tummy ache – but he didn’t stop.

‘We’re very proud of him.’

Even before the coronavirus outbreak, Murray was aware of NHS staff’s hard work, as his mum is waiting for a bone marrow transplant.

She said: ‘I was due to be admitted on the 30th of March for the transplant, but it couldn’t go ahead.

‘We have a donor from Germany, and I’m in good health – so hopefully it will happen soon.’

The challenge is longest distance run by the 11-year-old, who has previously completed 5k Park Runs with his dad James Grinter.

James is no stranger to fundraising, as last year he ran from John O’Groats to Lands End last year for charity Ickle Pickles, which supports families with premature babies.

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