Watch 'Captain Tobias' beat Dame Jess Ennis across the finish line - as challenge total reaches £137k

Tobias Weller, known affectionately as ‘Captain Tobias,’ was in the final stages of running a marathon using a race runner when he put out a challenge on Twitter to the Sheffield Olympic champion to race him to the finish line.

Jessica was quick to respond, telling Tobias to ‘name the time and place’ and she would be there.

“As a Sheffielder, I’ve been following his journey, and what Tobias has done is so inspiring,” said Jessica, as she joined Tobias at his home in Beauchief ahead of the challenge.

“He’s done it all with such style, and is a great character with a great personality.

“He’s just defying the odds, and I’m delighted to be here with him today.”

Tobias and Jess, along with hundreds of supporters, set off on the last leg of Tobias’ charity challenge at 11am on Saturday, with residents standing outside their homes and waving homemade signs to spur him on.

Local police officers also attended to show their support, stopping traffic on the roundabout to allow Tobias and his team through safely.

“I’m very proud of what I’ve done, it feels brilliant to have completed two challenges,” said nine-year-old Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, and described meeting his idol Jess as ‘a very great super duper joy.’

All the money raised by Tobias will be donated to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where Tobias is a frequent visitor, and Paces School, where he is a student.

He said: “I’m chuffed to bits to have completed a second marathon; it was only 40 days ago that I ran for the first time in my life.

“I’m delighted that so many people came out to clap and cheer for me.”

Tobias’ mum, Ruth Garbutt, added: “I’m bursting with pride for my boy today, and for Jess to turn up and race against him has been so special.”

Visit ‘Captain Tobias’ JustGiving page for details and to donate.

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