Eleven year old's marathon challenge in aid of charity close to family's heart

Alban Xhogu of Wakehurst Road, Eastbourne, decided to take on the challenge to raise awareness and funds for Tourette’s Action.

Both Alban and his brother Brandon, 15, have the neurological disorder which causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics.

His mum Kim said: “Tourette’s Action has provided much needed support to us as a family. “When my older son was diagnosed aged ten there was nowhere we could go for help and advice. It was a difficult time.

“Three years later at an appointment in London we were told about Tourette’s Action. They do so much for people like us, they go into schools to provide training to teachers to help them understand how it affects children in school, they arrange weekends away for children with Tourette Syndrome and their families to spend time with other people in their situation.

“There’s lots of other things to but I’d be here all day.”

Alban has recently been diagnosed and wanted to give something back to the charity.

His aim was to raise £150 but he has nearly doubled his target.

He completed the 26.2 miles over the five days in three and a half hours.

Kim said: “The run just seemed ideal for Alban because he has so much energy, he’s a very sporty and active boy. Football is his usual sport, he’s a goalkeeper.

“He feels happy and proud of himself when he completes a run and he’s loved watching the JustGiving page and seeing the total go up.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/albans-run

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