A PROUD sister has spoken of her admiration for the brother who pounded the streets and rural roads of Thurrock and South Essex this morning to raise funds for hospitals as a way of thanking them for transforming the life of his nephew.

As reported on Thurrock Nub news this morning (Saturday, 25 April) James Pinkerton from Bulphan ran 26.2 miles on local roads – rather than the London Marathon he was planning to complete tomorrow.

That was called off because of coronavirus and rescheduled in the autumn, when James, 28, will take part – but he didn't want to waste his training and so ran locally- including a visit to Basildon & Thurrock Hospital, where nephew Archie was born three years ago.

James wanted to say thank-you to St Barts and the Royal London Hospitals and the NHS Trust who treated Archie after he was rushed to London when he was diagnosed born with tracheo-oesophageal fistula, meaning he was unable to swallow and breathe for himself.

Archie is now doing well and mum Anna Hallett says he was thrilled to watch his uncle run past their Orsett home during his run today. James was also accompanied by mum Emma, who cycled the whole route with him.

So far James has raised £2,700 – more than his original target – but he is hoping to add more. And the fund will be swelled by a fundraising black tie dinner – which is already sold out. It too has been put back until lockdown ends.

"James has done really well. We are all so proud of him – and mum for going with him to keep him company and help keep him safe by guiding traffic. They ran and cycled from Bulphan through Orsett and Stanford-le-Hope before passing Basildon Hospital," said Anna. "James just wanted to do something for the Royal London Hospitals, especially St Barts, and he surprised us by getting the marathon place."

James said it was tough, especially the last couple of miles coming home but he was pleased to do it in three hours and 32 minutes – though that was two minutes outside his target time.

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You can donate to James' fundraising effort here