Doctors feared young Gosforth Freddie Mann could never walk again after being diagnosed with a brain tumor aged just 11 months.
The tumor continued to grow rapidly, and at the age of one, Freddie underwent surgery to remove 90 per cent of it, as doctors feared removing it all would leave the brave boy paralyzed on his left side. It was unclear whether Freddie would recover or walk again after going under the knife, but he went on to amaze doctors and his family to grow into an active young boy who plays football, swims and even does karate.
Despite his incredible physical recovery, Freddie, now 12, is left with long-term speech and communication difficulties. Freddie was diagnosed with a mild acquired language disorder linked to the remaining tumor in 2019 and also has memory issues.
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Children’s brain tumor charity Toms Trust provided funds for Freddie to see a psychologist at Great North Children’s Hospital, which 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 Run for 5 charity campaign, which aims to raise £5,000 – enough to provide psychological support for five newly diagnosed children and their families in the North East for an entire year.
(Image: Jenny Mann)
“The support we’ve received from Tom’s Trust has been outstanding,” she said.
“It has opened up a whole world to Freddie and the whole family and we cannot thank the charity enough for providing this vital support. Training for a half marathon may seem like a challenge, but it is not. nothing compared to the journey of so many children and their families have been on it.
The 35-year-old is now calling on others to join her in undertaking the Great North Run to raise money for Toms Trust. A number of places are available through the charity and people are welcome to apply.
“I’m so proud of Freddie, he’s 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 it will help five more children like Freddie.”
Freddie, who is one of Tom’s Trust’s ambassadors, has already raised over £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 run for five
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