A TEENAGER from Halstead is running the London Marathon for a charity that helps disabled children.

Thomas Amass, 19, is running the famous race on April 28 to raise money for Whizz-Kidz.

The charity work to transform the lives of disabled children by providing them with wheelchairs and other important equipment and support they need to help them develop to their full potential.

Tom has already raised £800 on a Virgin Money Giving website, and hopes to raise a total of £2,000.

The charity is very close to Tom's heart as his brother, James, has cerebral palsy- a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination.

He says: "I am running the biggest challenge of my life by running the London Marathon 2019 for Whizz Kidz.

"This great charity as they help people with disabilities get what they need for every day use, like wheelchairs.

"I've seen first hand what they do as they helped my brother to get the equipment he needed and helped him make new friends to go out with.

"When I told him I was running for Whizz Kidz he was over the moon and he is looking forward to me finishing the marathon.

"I can promise you that this is one of the best charities so please help me to hit my target

"Just this year they bought a little girl a wheelchair because hers was too big and so they made one specially for her so she can go out."

Thomas, who plays rugby for the Halstead Templars, has been training for the race since September, but says playing rugby keeps him fit.

He hopes to finish his first ever marathon in a good time.

He added: "I do a lot of running around Halstead and around all the little villages"

Tom his hoping to organise charity football and matches and a quiz night to raise more funds for Whizz Kidz in the lead up to the marathon.

To support Thomas' fundraising search Thomas Amass on Virgin Money Giving.