Doctors feared that Gosforth youngster Freddie Mann may never walk again after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just 11 months old.
The tumour continued to grow quickly and, at the age of one, Freddie underwent surgery to remove 90% of it as doctors feared that taking it all out would have left the brave boy paralysed on his left side. It was unclear whether Freddie would recover or ever walk again after going under the knife, but he went on to amaze medics and his family to become an active young lad who plays football, swims and even does karate.
Despite his amazing physical recovery, Freddie, now 12, has been left with long-term speech and communication difficulties. Freddie was diagnosed with a mild acquired language disorder linked to the remaining tumour in 2019 and also struggles with his memory.
Children's brain tumour charity Toms Trust has provided funding so that Freddie could see a psychologist at The Great North Children’s Hospital, which has improved his condition. And now his incredible bravery has inspired proud mum Jenny Mann to take on the Great North Run to support the charity.
Jenny will be one of 15 runners taking part in the charity’s Run for 5 campaign, which aims to raise £5,000 – enough to provide psychological support to five newly diagnosed children and their families in the North East for a whole year.
“The support we have received from Tom’s Trust has been outstanding," she said.
"It has opened a whole world to Freddie and the whole family and we can’t thank the charity enough for providing this vital support. Training for a half marathon might feel like a challenge, but it's nothing in comparison to the journey so many children and their families have been on."
The 35-year-old is now appealing for others to join her in taking on the Great North Run to raise funds for Toms Trust. A number of places are available through the charity and people are being urged to apply for them.
"I am so proud of Freddie, he is absolutely amazing," she said. "I want the world to know how amazing Tom’s Trust is and do what I can to give something back.
"If we can raise £5,000, that will help five more children like Freddie.”
Freddie, who is one of Tom’s Trust Ambassadors, has already raised more than £5,000 for the charity when he ran 4km every day in December 2020 as part of Tom’s Trust’s 31 Stars campaign.
Tom’s Trust still has places at this year’s Great North Run on September 11. To apply, visit email jessica@tomstrust.org.uk To support Jenny and the other runners by donating visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/runforfive
