A BROTHER’S loss is powering him through his London Marathon training after losing his sibling.

Andy Elms will proudly wear his runner’s vest for Maypole House Charitable Fund, which is managed by Essex Community Foundation, and Colchester Hospital’s critical care unit, in memory of his brother Tim, who died aged 33.

Tim had been cared for by both facilities.

Finance manager Andy, 38, said: “Tim was a truly special and unique person with an infectious personality.

“He faced many challenges over his lifetime, being diagnosed with hydrocephalus and later severe epilepsy, and had to cope with all the complications these conditions brought.

“He loved people and people loved him.

“Tim had that rarest of qualities that people would meet him just the once and they would remember him and for all the right reasons.”

The dad-of-two from Berkshire hopes to exceed his £2,000 fundraising target and is already 89 per cent of the way there.

He said: “The critical care unit at Colchester was where Tim spent his last few weeks.

“The care he received there really was exceptional and was the NHS at its absolute best.

“It would mean the world to me to be able to donate much-needed funds to the unit, for them to continue the great work they do and to say thank you to them for everything they did for Tim.”

Halstead Gazette:

Andy posing with his t-shirt which reads 'Andy running for Tim'

Although he admits he is not a natural runner, Andy has already completed two half marathons, but the thought of running double the distance is still daunting.

However, he said his brother was his inspiration and would give him the strength to complete the challenge.

He said: “I’m determined to do it and when I cross that finish line, all the early morning training runs and pain will have been so worth it.”

To sponsor Andy, click here

Donations can also be made by contacting Essex Community Foundation on 01245 35594.