I was fortunate enough to have both my parents as I was growing up.
In fact, even though I’m getting on a little bit nowadays, I’m still fortunate enough to have them both today.
And although they sometimes bug the hell out of me they are great friends and I wouldn’t swap them for the world.
It’s hard to imagine life without them.
This brings me to the inspirational story of eight-year-old Thomas Compton.
Thomas, at such a tender age, is learning to live without his mum Louise.
A year ago Louise passed away after a long battle with illness.
Thomas is also learning to live with a condition known as hemiplegia, paralysis of one side of the body.
Yet despite an incredibly tough year young Thomas was determined not to feel sorry for himself and has now become the youngest person to complete the Horndon 10km.
His proud dad Ben, 37, accompanied his son on the circuit and was clearly very emotional at his boy’s achievement.
Thomas was cheered by friends, family and crowds of people as he crossed the finishing line.
His efforts were so warmly received that his headteacher at Horndon-on-the-Hill Primary School even gave him the Monday morning off school to recover!
His dad told how Thomas clearly shared the determination of his mother.
And one thing’s for sure if she is looking down you can bet she’ll be so proud of her little lad.
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