Boy he’s done it! ‘Captain Tobias’ raises £100,000
A BOY of nine with cerebral palsy has raised more than £100,000 using his walker to complete a marathon – and was saluted by his inspiration Captain Sir Tom Moore.
TobiasWeller completed the final 800 yards of his 70-day challenge on his Sheffield street to the cheers of his friends and neighbours.
The youngster – dubbed Captain Tobias by his supporters after the 100-year-old national hero – had aimed to raise £500 for the city’s Children’s Hospital and his special school.
But what Tobias calls his “ginormous challenge” passed the £100,000 mark on Thursday. Yesterday he received a video message from Sir Tom, through his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore.
She said: “Well, good morning Captain Tobias. On behalf of Captain Sir Tom Moore and the entire family, wow – well done.What an achievement. We are so, so proud of you. Have a lovely day.”
Tobias replied on Twitter: “I got a message from Sir Captain Tom Moore! Boom !!!!! I salute you, Captain!”
Mum Ruth Garbutt posted a video of her waking him yesterday with the news about the £100,000 milestone. A sleepy Tobias said he was “chuffed to bits”. By last night the total had crept up to £117,000.
The youngster, who also has autism, was cheered by friends and neighbours on the home straight of the 26.2-mile trek on Sunday. Since then, he has continued walking and appeared on media across the globe.
David Vernon-Edwards, of the Children’s Hospital, said: “Captain Tobias’ determination and effort has inspired people around the world.”
Julie Booth, of special school Paces Sheffield, said: “We are so proud of Captain Tobias.”
Olympic champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and BBC host Dan Walker sent Tobias good-luck messages.