A WESTON man has completed 46 half marathons in just as many weeks in memory of his beloved six-week-old son.

Since July 2023, Thomas Young has run over 600 miles and raised over £9,000, which is being given to Cots for Tots, the dedicated charity for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol.

The vital charity cared for Jaxon, Thomas' son, who passed away when he was just 46 days old in May 2023.

Thomas' final race saw him cross the finish line at St Michael’s Hospital.

You can still donate on Thomas' Just Giving page.

Weston Mercury: Thomas has raised an impressive sum.Thomas has raised an impressive sum. (Image: Ambitious PR)Speaking about his motivation, Thomas said: “For the 46 days that we were at the hospital, the NICU team at St Michael's Hospital alongside the team at Cots for Tots, worked hard, day and night to ensure that Jaxon was being well looked after.

"As the NICU and Cots for Tots will always hold a special place in our hearts, for my wife and I, there had to be no other place to end this challenge!

“When Jaxon was in the NICU, I told him that when we would leave the hospital, I would take him along with me in his pushchair during my next half marathon, dressed in my Superman suit. But he never got to have that chance.

"We’re eternally grateful for everything Cots for Tots did for us during that time and this is my way of giving back.”

Weston Mercury: Thomas finished his last race at St Michael’s Hospital.Thomas finished his last race at St Michael’s Hospital. (Image: Ambitious PR)Weston Mercury: Thomas has been supported throughout the challenge.Thomas has been supported throughout the challenge. (Image: Ambitious PR)

Kate Jones, senior community fundraising manager for the charity, added: “It is thanks to our amazing fundraisers like Thomas, that Cots for Tots continues to help enhance the treatment and care given at the hospital to premature and critically ill babies.

"What Thomas has achieved - covering hundreds of miles and raising thousands - is just incredible and will continue Jaxon’s legacy by helping many more babies and families.” 

The Mayor of Weston, Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly, has also praised Thomas for his mammoth efforts.

Cllr Cronnelly said: "A while ago I posted about the incredible Thomas Young, who is running 46 half marathons in 46 weeks, raising money for Cots for Tots in memory of his son Jaxon who died aged six weeks old.

"You would have inevitably seen him running around town in his superman outfit - no matter the weather.

"I'm not sure you'll be reading this Thomas as I suspect you are running, but what a credit you are to the town and a massive well done - this town is full of brilliant people, and you demonstrate that so well."