A BRAVE dad is running an ultramarathon of 50km to raise money for a sensory room for his two children who are living with a rare syndrome.

Superdad Thomas Munson, 38, will be raising money for his two children, so the family can build them their own sensory room.

Oscar, six, and Mary, eight, both have Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, and would benefit greatly from having their own sensory room outhouse in the garden.

Oscar was diagnosed in September 2020 while his sister, Mary, was previously diagnosed with autism and was later found to have the condition.

Both children are non-verbal, with Mary having epilepsy and Oscar suffering from reduced mobility.

Thomas, who lives in Colchester, estimates the sensory room will cost around £15,000 to build.

The family has already raised £5,000 which has been through several events, such as Thomas walking up Snowdon carrying 45kg, the combined weight of Oscar and Mary at the time.

They have also raised money from fundraisers in pubs, as well as receiving donations from family, friends and supporters.

To raise the funds needed for his children’s sensory room, Thomas will be running the 50km ultra-marathon starting at The White Hart in Bergholt, on Sunday, October 16.

The family is being supported by children’s charity, Tree of Hope, which helps families fundraise for children with healthcare needs, providing charity status to benefit from gift aid.

The White Hart has chosen the family to be its charity for the year.

On the ultra-marathon, Thomas said: “The 50km aligns with the prevalence of Rett Syndrome in children added together – 1 in 40,000 for boys, and 1 in 10,000 for girls.

“The ultramarathon is partly about fundraising, but also about awareness raising. It took some time for our children to be diagnosed and we are concerned that others are still slipping through the net.

“We are very grateful for how family, friends and the community have got behind us.

“We want Mary and Oscar to have the best quality of life they can and for our son George to have the most normal childhood possible.

 “Every penny counts, and it means a lot to have so many people backing us.”

To support the Munson family’s fund, visit bit.ly/3MmEYIy.