THE family of a 10-year-old boy who died from an aggressive brain tumour have raised £4,000 by running the Greater Manchester Run to thank the hospital who tried to save his life.
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, Donna, Jeff and Hannah
Alongside her parents Donna and Jeff Barston, the family raised £4,000 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.
Proud mum Donna, 50, said: "It was brilliant, and everyone who ran did fantastic and raised a lot of money for RMCH.
"We felt like Zac was with us, I'm sure he was giggling at me running but very happy with what we are doing as well.
"Fundraising has been a big focus for us since he died as a way to keep his memory alive.
"Hannah obviously went through a difficult time losing her brother at a young age, and having to be minded by grandparents a lot when he was in hospital, but she's doing fantastic and it is nice for her to get involved.
"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.
Zac and Hannah
"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.
"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
zac-barston.muchloved.com
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