Sheffield's ‘Captain Tobias’ receives statue nomination from fellow youngster

L to R Tobias Weller has been nominated in a statue project by William

Tobias Weller says he is “chuffed to bits” at being called an inspiration by another nine-year-old boy from the city.

Tobias has cerebral palsy and autism and cannot walk or stand unaided but over the past year he has raised over £150,000 for Paces, the special school where he is a pupil, and Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where he regularly visits for treatment.

Tobias was named the BBC Young Unsung Hero at the December’s Sports Personality of the Year awards.

Year five pupils at Birkdale Prep School in Sheffield have been completing a lockdown learning project of choosing who from the city most deserves a statue – and Tobias was chosen by William Peat who drew an illustration of what he thought the tribute should look like.

Explaining why he chose Tobias William said: “I think you definitely deserve a statue in Sheffield because you are an inspiration to everyone, especially children.

"You have walked two marathons and you've raised so much money for your School and the Children's Hospital, which will help lots of children. What you have done must have been very hard, but you haven't let your age or any difficulties you face stop you.”

Seeing William’s choice and design on social media, Tobias’s mum said she was blown away by the fact her son had inspired others his age.

In a video message for William, Tobias said: “I was amazed to see the brilliant artwork that was created.

"When I saw that he had nominated me it made me feel magnificent – I was chuffed to bits! Thanks Will, you rock.”

Tobias has now raised £150,000 since March, with the money to be split equally between Sheffield Children’s Hospital’s charity and his school, Paces in High Green. Paces’ primary focus is to help residents with neurological conditions.

When he set off on his first marathon challenge in March, his initial target was to raise just £500.

Beauchief boy Tobias is affectionately referred to as ‘Captain Tobias’ in honour of inspirational WWII veteran Captain Sir Tom Moore.

To contribute visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/captaintobias9