Fareham schoolboy, 10, runs marathon distance to raise funds for Queen Alexandra Hospital ward caring for his nan

Fareham schoolboy Ben Walker, 10, has spent four weeks running 5km distances to complete an entire marathon to support the Queen Alexandra Hospital ward looking after his nan Ann Applin.

With the second lockdown cancelling his swimming activities and training for Fareham Town Youth FC, Ben wanted to keep his fitness up while raising funds for a good cause as he missed his nan.

The Uplands Primary School pupil said: ‘I wanted to raise money because there are people that can’t have any visitors and will be in hospital for Christmas. The ward has looked after my nan really well and I wanted to say thank you.

‘I feel proud of myself that people are donating their own money for what I am doing.’

Ann, 69, was admitted to hospital on August 10 after being in severe pain then losing feeling from her waist downwards.

She has been in the care of G4 Neuro at the Cosham hospital due to having developed a spinal fistula, which means she cannot feel her legs and will be coming home in a wheelchair when she is discharged this week.

Ann, who was previously working, driving and helping with childcare of the grandchildren, has been unable to have visitors due to the pandemic but has been in good hands on the ward.

Ben’s mum Michele, who has another son Samuel, said: ‘They have been incredible for what they have done. They deliver the care so well, I have got no complaints.

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‘This second lockdown has been quite tough especially for children to have all their activities taken away. To have that goal and to look forward to my mum coming out of hospital has been really beneficial for Ben.

‘My mum is such a huge part of our lives and they have really missed her.’

Ben has raised more than £350 to say thank you to the staff who have looked after Ann throughout her stay, and completed his marathon distance on Monday.

He has headed out regularly for runs with his dad Rich, 43, and has improved his fitness throughout the challenge.

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Ben said: ‘It was hard to start with, I had a stitch in the beginning but I have got used to it now and faster. I am going to carry on running because I have really enjoyed it. I might start another challenge.’

Dad and running partner Rich added: ‘I am very proud of Ben for coming up with this idea and then completing the challenge. I have enjoyed running with him despite the cold and wet weather at times!’

Ann has expressed how proud she is of Ben for thinking of the challenge and then completing it.

Paediatric oncology nurse specialist Michele, 42, said ‘positive and strong’ Ann can’t wait to finally come home although she is nervous.

It has been very hard at times but the staff on the ward have been ‘amazing with her’ and she plans to keep in touch.

Visit gf.me/u/y9gxcv to donate to Ben’s fund.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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