AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD with hemiplegia battled through both his condition and the recent loss of his mum to complete the entire Horndon 10km race this year.

His proud dad said the achievement was “very emotional” for the family, as his wife and Thomas’ mum Louise, who passed away last July after a long illness, had not been there to see it.

Young Thomas made the finishing line with cheers from the crowd, together with his dad, Ben Crompton, 37, who accompanied him round the circuit.

Thomas, 8, who attends Horndon-on-the-Hill Primary School, is now believed to be the youngest runner on record to finish the 10km race in Horndon.

Thomas’ condition of hemiplegia gives him weakness down one side of the body.

The race usually holds an age limit of 15, but made an exception for the Cromptons, who ran the race together, along with Thomas’ cousin, Ben, who is 10.

Horndon-on-the-Hill Primary School Head let Thomas have the morning off on Monday after the June 25 race to recover.

Mr Crompton, of Hillcrest Road, Horndon-on-the-Hill, said his son “shared his mother’s determination and there was “huge support” from the crowd.

He said: “It was very emotional for our family as we lost Thomas’ mum, my wife, last year.”

“There was so much support from the crowd this year. Last year, he got half-way round, but this year completed it without stopping.

“I believe he is the youngest runner to complete the 10km in Horndon.

“I think his mum, Louise, would have been very proud.”

Horndon on the hill Primary School Headteacher Travis Martinson said Thomas was an “inspiration.”

He said: “Thomas is a remarkable child who has faced many challenges in his life.

“He continues to be an inspiration for adults and chil - dren and we are very proud to have him as a pupil at Horndon School.”