George runs up a big thank you
GEORGE Mathias, 12, has raised more than £775,000 to thank medics for saving his little brother’s life.
The youngster from Merseyside, who was four when James was born prematurely and became gravely ill, wanted to thank the staff at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
He set out to raise money by running a mile for every month James had been alive. Since then, celebrities including TV’s Ninja Warrior presenters Ben Shephard and Rochelle Humes have been pulling on their trainers to join him.
Former England football captain Steven Gerrard and comedians John Bishop and Jason Manford are among those who have run a mile for his charity, Run with George. His new challenges include running a marathon for every year James has been alive, plus a million-step event.
He will run half a million steps – 250 miles – with Shephard and Olympic sprinter Iwan Thomas each chipping in with 50,000 steps – 25 miles.
As well as the Diana Award, George was hailed at the 2017 Pride of Britain ceremony.