TWO eight-year-old boys whose families have both been affected by sepsis took on the challenge to run 10k in a day to raise funds to tackle the disease.
Bleak Hill Primary pupils Ted Rooney and Louie Rush play football at Pilkington Football Club and have become close friends.
Recently though, the boys realised they had more than just football in common, as at a young age they both have experienced the devastating effects Sepsis can have on the people they love and their families.
In May 2024 Louie lost his beloved nan Christine Hesketh – who had run the shop at Saints for many years - to sepsis after she became ill suddenly.
In November 2022, Ted’s little sister Polly battled sepsis aged one and is living with the after effects of the condition with post-sepsis syndrome.
Both families have been devastated by sepsis and together decided they wanted to do something on Friday, September 13 – World Sepsis Day.
Ted’s proud mum Emma said: “They actually came to us and said they wanted to run a half marathon to raise money and awareness for sepsis, which we explained was a bit much for two eight-year-olds so said what about running 10k in a day and they loved that idea.
“So, on Friday their brilliant school opened up their grounds early for them to run as much as they could before school and they actually ran 7k in 44 minutes then which is unbelievable, then at lunch time they ran a further 2.5k and then it all finished at Saints where they ran their final half a kilometre in front of the roaring crowd.
“When children experience loss or worry of a loved one it’s awful, but we can’t explain how proud both sets of families are of Ted and Louie for having this idea and raising just under £2,000 so far for Sepsis Trust.
“Even in school they have handed out leaflets to alert people to the signs of sepsis, so if that can save one life then its all worth it. We are so proud of them both and just want others who have any worries over sepsis to know the signs and please trust your instincts.”
To donate to the boy’s fundraiser, go to justgiving.com/page/tedandlouies10kmforsepsis
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