Sheffield boy inspired by Captain Tom vows to complete lockdown marathon

Tobias Weller, aged nine, has been dubbed Captain Tobias by friends as he battles to complete the ‘ginormous challenge’.

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The youngster could only manage manage 50 metres when social distancing measures were first brought in, but is now covering 750 metres a day outside his home in Sheffield.

Tobias is raising cash for Sheffield Children's Hospital and Paces School - the special school he attends in High Green, Sheffield.

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He was due to complete a sponsored walk in May to help the two charities but his plans were scuppered by coronavirus.

The youngster said: “Then I heard about Captain Tom and I thought, ‘why don't I use my walker to complete a marathon by walking up and down my street every day?’

“This is going to be a ginormous challenge for me. A marathon is 42,195 metres but I'm determined to do it.”

Tobias’ mother, Ruth Garbutt, has set up an online appeal to help her son.

Initially, the fundraising target was just £500, but over £5,000 has been raised so far.

Tobias said he is determined to continue, inspired by Captain Tom's sensational fundraising effort which saw him raise over £28 million by walking 100 lengths of his garden to mark his 100th birthday.

Ms Garbutt said: “Tobias is nine years old and is an intelligent, quirky, happy little boy with an amazing sense of humour and level of determination.

“He has cerebral palsy and autism so he faces many challenges on a daily basis. He cannot stand or walk unaided and requires support with most tasks that we usually take for granted.

“At the start of lockdown, with the aid of his walker and with lots of encouragement, Tobias could walk a maximum of 50 metres. He is now walking up to 750 metres each day so that he can fulfil his challenge.”

Tobias visits Sheffield Children's Hospital regularly and has had several operations there.

Paces School is a special school where the ethos is centred on children being challenged to reach their full potential.

Visit Tobias’ fundraising page to donate.