A FATHER will join thousands of fellow runners at the London Marathon next Sunday in a show of support for the hospital which restored his son to health ten years ago.

Gary Tubb, 52,of Walcot, will put his strength and stamina to the test as he covers 26 miles for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity on April 13.

He wants to ensure other children receive the care his son Ben did.

In September 2003, Ben who attends Commonweal School, grew sluggish and exhausted until he became unable to walk.

In March 2004, at the age of four, he was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis, which causes muscle weakness and skin inflammations .

But Ten years on, thanks to chemotherapy and steroid treatment at GOSH, he is as active as any other boy his age.

“When we took him to GWH, we knew they were worried because they opened their MRI room just for us on a Saturday to do a scan,” said the accounting technician.

“After he was diagnosed the Great Ormond Street Hospital called us and told us to bring him up there. They put him on steroid medication and he really improved.

“He is still an out-patient at GOSH and goes there for a full assessment once or twice a year. But now he is fine.”

Gary is aiming to raise £500 for GOSH. To sponsor him visit www.justgiving.com/garytubb.