Teenager raises £2,000 in memory of his father who died at the age of 46

A 13-year-old boy has raised more than £2,000 in the name of his father who died at the age of just 46.

Dylan Banks was among the 760 young runners who supported the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice Mini Marathon, which took place in Royal Greenwich Park earlier this month.

Dylan took part in this annual fundraising event in memory of his dad, Matt, who passed away peacefully at home in March this year after being under the care of the hospice.

Dylan said: “He passed away surrounded by family. This wouldn’t have been possible without the hospice.

“They provided a hospital bed and regular home check-ups to make sure he was comfortable.

“They also supported my mum too. I will be eternally grateful for the hospice’s service, and for that reason, they hold a very special place in my heart.

“My dad loved a marathon, as he ran two London marathons. He would be looking down on me now with a smile on his face knowing I’d be running my first ever marathon in memory of him.”

Hospice Events Manager Augusta Adu said: “The Hospice Mini Marathon is such a special event because of children like Dylan and all the other young runners who take part to raise money in memory of their loved ones. It is truly heart-warming, and I can’t thank them enough for their support of our hospice.”

The Hospice Mini Marathon is expected to raise more than £30,000 which will mean more families like Dylan’s can receive very special hospice care.

To find out more about the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice’s upcoming fundraising events, and how you can get involved head over to communityhospice.org.uk/events.

Pictured top: Dylan at the race (Picture: Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice)