Inspirational Dudley dad takes on marathon challenge for Acorns

Amjid Mehmood is preparing to take part in the Great Birmingham Half Marathon on October 15 to raise funds for Acorn Children's Hospice.

He will be running in memory of his son, Subhan, who died in November, just two weeks short of his eighth birthday.

Subhan suffered from Joubert’s syndrome - a rare life-threatening condition which causes varying degrees of physical, mental and sometimes visual impairments.

Amjid and Subhan

Mr Mehmood said: "Subhan’s needs were so complex and without Acorns I don’t think we would have coped as a family.

"I can’t thank the staff at Acorns enough for what they’ve done for us."

But the charity's support doesn't stop there, it continues to help the Mehmood family as Subhan's four-year-old sister, Zara, has the same condition.

Mr Mehmood, aged 38, said: “It’s heartbreaking to think that we are going to experience the loss of another child.

“The pain is unbearable but with the support of our friends at Acorns we’ll deal with that day when it comes, I don’t know how we would cope if we didn’t have that support.

“I wanted to give back something to Acorns, for the amazing care they've given our family so I thought this year’s half marathon would be the perfect event.

“This run is very much out of my comfort zone, last year I couldn’t even run between two lampposts! But hopefully with a bit of training, and in the knowledge of the cause, I will cross the finish line.”

Lynda Hadley, events coordinator at Acorns, said: “We’re so grateful to Amjid for stepping up to the challenge to support Acorns in this way.

“His motivation for taking part is very powerful and I hope it inspires others to sign up and help raise the funds Acorns needs to continue providing our care. We rely on income from events like this to give families across the Midlands the support they need.”

To sign up, visit www.acorns.org.uk/run or to sponsor Mr Mehmood, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amjid-mehmood1.