THE sister of a 10-year-old boy who died from an aggressive brain tumour is running the Greater Manchester Run this weekend to thank the hospital where he was treated and celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Hannah Barston was only 13 when her younger brother Zac Barston died in March 2015 after a brave battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme.
Now 18, Hannah from Garswood decided to give back to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital where her brother received treatment by joining 10 others to run the Greater Manchester Run on Sunday, May 19.
Zac and Hannah
She will specifically be raising funds for Team Zac which will then go to the hospital's Children's Brain Tumour Research (CBTRN) which is looking to raise £4 million to build a new iMRI scanning suite to revolutionise surgery.
She said: "It’s a great honour to be asked to join Team 10. This will be my second GMR and I’m really looking forward to it and raising as much money as possible in memory of Zac.
"The care he received at the hospital, especially on Ward 84, was second to none and he developed a lovely relationship with the staff.
"Despite his illness and a daunting treatment plan Zac was so brave, never complained and always had the staff laughing and smiling.
"He was a truly inspirational person and I’m so proud of him.
Zac and Hannah with parents Jeff and Donna who will be running alongside Hannah
"He’s the reason I’m dusting off my running shoes again for the GMR and I’m sure he’ll be cheering for Team Zac on the day."
The Zac Barston Tribute Fund was set up by Hannah and in memory of Zac to help raise funds to support children unfortunate enough to be in the same situation he was in.
To date the fund has raised just under £39,000 for CBTRN and Hannah and Team Zac have already had almost £3,000 donated to this year’s run.
Team 10 is made up of people with their individual motivations for taking part and thanking the hospital and will each represent each year Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital has existed at its home in Oxford Road – from 2009 to present day.
To donate to Hannah and Team Zac go to
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