A DEDICATED U’s fan ran more than 40 miles to watch the Essex derby against Southend United to raise money for his son’s medical care.

Tom Leggett, 33, ran from Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium to Southend United’s Roots Hall ground.

His tough challenge raised almost £3,000 for his son Alfie, one, who the rare genetic disease Norrie Disease, which causes blindness and deafness and can lead to autism, slow development and seizures.

In December little Alfie went to America for a life-changing operation which has saved his light perception, paid for by kind donations from Tom’s previous fundraisers.

His latest fundraiser, which is in aid of Alfie’s ongoing care and any operations he may need in future, started at 4am on Saturday.

He was running for eight and a half hours, supported by dad Richard Leggett and father-in-law Dave Wickes.

And his challenge was even harder as he took the wrong turning at Rayleigh and added a mile and a half to his journey.

At about 25 miles his left calf gave in, and he ran the remaining 16 miles in agonising pain.

As soon as he reached Southend Tom, who lives in The Walk, Eight Ash Green, was met by people who had heard about his fundraiser and were cheering him on.

Gazette:

He stopped in at the Blue Boar pub in Southend, where staff were auctioning off a shirt for the cause.

He said: “I was met with a wall of Colchester United fans. They were all shouting and singing my name.”

When he got to the ground Tom was lead onto the pitch and an announcement was made over the loud speaker.

He said: “I had a round of applause from the whole stadium. It was a really emotional moment.

“You know when you’re completely drained and you’ve got nothing left. I was just a mess.”

He walked around the stands collecting donations, but because so many people wanted to donate he had only got half way when the match kicked off, so he jumped into the stand and watched the game and carried on at half time.

He said: “There were so many people coming down. All the stewards were giving me money.

“People were clambering over themselves to pass me money.

“It is something I will never forget.”

To donate visit www.gofundme.com/alfiesvision