Thomas Dewar is running a half marathon in memory of his brother.

Mr Dewar is running The Great Manchester Run half marathon, scheduled for May 26, to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

The 26-year-old is taking on the challenge in honour of his younger brother, William, who lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and died suddenly on July 1, 2023, aged 22.

Mr Dewar, originally from Norwich and now living in Stoke, hopes to raise £2,000 to support Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity supporting those dealing with muscle weakening and wasting conditions.

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Mr Dewar said: “I was in the process of moving house in Stoke when I received the phone call saying that something was wrong.

“William had been found unresponsive and, despite the efforts of my mum and sister and the phenomenal Norfolk Air Ambulance crew, William did not survive."

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Mr Dewar last saw his brother in April when he went home to Norwich for Easter.

He said: “William had just finished his degree and was excited to see how he’d done."

The family found out on the day of his funeral that he had passed his degree with honours, something they announced during the ceremony.

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As a novice runner, the half marathon presents both physical and mental challenges to Mr Dewar.

He said: “I’ve never run a day in my life apart from at school and even then, I always did my best to get out of any type of PE.

"I’m very determined as this is something that means a lot to me. The support I’ve received has been phenomenal and I’m so grateful.”

He has been able to raise more than £1,800 so far and you can follow his journey at www.justgiving.com