A TEENAGER has paid a touching tribute to his late great-grandfather by completing an exhausting long distance run in aid of charity.

Tom Reid, who is 15, ran a total of 97km in a week to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Tom, who goes to St Benedict’s College in Colchester, set himself the challenge after his great-grandfather, Antonio Garizio, died in March following a battle with prostate cancer.

Tom set himself a nine mile target each day and battled against adverse weather during his daily runs to complete his challenge.

He said: “It’s been good. On quite a few days I have had different people running with me which has made it more enjoyable and kept me going.”

Among those supporting Tom have been his fellow boxers at the Colchester Amateur Boxing Club.

Tom, of Ipswich Road, Colchester, has been a part of the club for three years and was a semi-finalist at the 2015 National Amateur Boxing Association Championships.

He also helps to coach beginner sessions for children aged nine to 11.

His popularity at the club has been demonstrated by the youngsters he coaches who donated what money they could towards his charity run.

Tom’s mum Johanna said her son had been overwhelmed by the support he has received.

She said: “Tom has received a great deal of support from his fellow boxers.

“He has been most touched by the little ones who have donated their pocket money.

“Tom only turned 15 in June so this is a huge physical feat for someone his age who has no running training.

“It is also impressive that someone his age has organised this challenge himself as a tribute to his much loved great-grandad.”

With the initial target of £500 easily reached, Tom decided to increase this sum to £1,919 - a poignant figure as his great-grandfather was born in 1919.

“Originally the target was £500 as we thought that only family members would get involved.” he added.

“But 56 people have donated so we changed that figure. It’s crazy!”

Tom said he chose the distance as another nod to his beloved great-grandad.

He said: “I chose 97km because that’s the age Tone passed away. It made the run more personal and meaningful to me.”

Tom completed his final nine miles on Thursday alongside a friend from his boxing club whilst some of the children he coaches cycled with him as well.

The total raised from his run currently stands at £2,207.

To donate, visit his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/johanna-reid.