Marathon effort from disabled Tobias secures second spot on squad

The nine-year-old from Sheffield has cerebral palsy and autism, which means he cannot stand or walk unaided, but had been planning on completing a sponsored 1km walk in his local park in May.

Once that event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 lockdown and after seeing the achievements of honorary Lionhearts skipper, Captain Sir Tom Moore, Tobias set himself a new target – to complete a full marathon by walking up and down his street every day.

At the start, Tobias could walk a maximum of 50 metres, but through his own determination and spirit, was soon completing up to 750 metres each day.

And as he passed the finishing line for his 79-day marathon, cheered on by a crowd of local friends and family along with Team GB Olympic legend Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, his Lionhearts shirt was ready and waiting to be presented to him along with a message from his new captain, Sir Tom.

Ruth Garbutt, Tobias’ mother, said: “To be a part of the Lionhearts squad for Tobias, it’s just such a massive achievement for him. I’m so, so proud of him and what he’s achieved and how he’s taken it all in his stride.

“He’s shown great determination and character and I always knew he was going to do some great

things with his life, but I just didn’t realise he was going to do them when he was nine-years-old.”

The Lionhearts initiative, supported by BT, aims to pay homage to 23 inspirational individuals who have gone above and beyond during this challenging time for the nation.

In the absence of international football this summer, England’s focus will instead be on building a squad of true heroes that have stepped up during our time of need.

After completing the marathon, Tobias thanked his supporters and all who’ve donated to Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Paces School for Conductive Education: “To my neighbours and friends, thank you for clapping and cheering me every step of the way. To everyone locally, nationally and internationally who has supported me and donated, thank you, you are all awesome.”

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