A BRAVE Thundersley Primary School pupil inspired a Benfleet mum to raise funds for charity by competing in the virtual London Marathon.

Isla Sinclair took on the 26.2 mile event in a bid to raise funds for Rays of Sunshine.

The 39-year-old, of Wilkinson Drop, chose to support the charity after seeing nine-year-old Callum Axford battle against cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and type one neurofibromatosis.

Isla, whose eight-year-old daughter Chloe Bradsell attends Thundersley Primary School with Callum, revealed: “I chose to support Rays of Sunshine after my daughter said ‘I think you should run to help Callum’.

“Callum has braved many operations, spent so much time in hospital and defied the experts to walk.

“He made magnificent progress to attend a mainstream school alongside my daughter.

Echo:

Proud - Isla Sinclair is all smiles after receiving her virtual London Marathon medal and finisher’s T-shirt in the post

“Callum lives with a very rare combination of cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and type one neurofibromatosis.

“Born at 33 weeks with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, he is believed to be the only child with all these conditions.

“Callum’s condition is unique and he is a true inspiration to all the children at school.”

Isla, a Benfleet Running Club member and assistant coach for the Benfleet Juniors, completed the virtual London Marathon in Kent and took three hours, 52 minutes and 11 seconds.

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She is pleased to have raised close to £1,000 for Rays of Sunshine and Callum’s bravery remained in her thoughts throughout the run.

Isla added: “Callum was named the county’s child of courage in 2019.

“He has appeared on Children in Need and has become a young ambassador for Rays of Sunshine. His fight and determination really has inspired me to keep going over the last year.

“Thundersley Primary School chose Rays of Sunshine as their charity for the day – prompting my daughter’s suggestion and my enthusiasm to want to support them.”

Isla, who got involved in her first marathon in London ten years ago, was determined to take on the virtual 26.2 mile event despite it going ahead in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Echo:

Keen athlete - Isla Sinclair running her first London Marathon in 2010, where she raised funds for the Sailor’s Society

She already has her sights set on the next race.

Isla admitted: As I have raised almost £1,000 for Rays of Sunshine, they have offered me a place to run at the Royal Parks Half Marathon in April 2021.

“I am really excited about this and it will be fantastic to be supporting this amazing charity.”

Every week we will be unveiling our Charity Champions as we look to champion those who raise much-needed funds for charities across south Essex. To nominate yourself for your own fundraising

work or to put others forward, simply complete our online form.