Generous joggers are set to pound the streets in aid of a poorly five-year-old boy

Little Theo Power from Blackburn was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma – an aggressive form of childhood cancer – in July.

But his condition is so advanced that his family are desperate to take him abroad for specialist treatment.

Pals Maggie Ainslie and Joanne Bingham, who are friends with Theo’s grandparents Michelle and Graham Jordan, were keen to do something to help.

The ladies – members of Blackburn Road Runners – felt that the Wesham 10K race on November 28, would be a great way of raising sponsorship money to fund the vital treatment.

And they have spread the word for ‘Team Theo’ far and wide, with over 80 others, including fitness fans from Blackburn with Darwen Council and Darwen Dashers, willing to run alongside them to raise awareness.

The event is just one of several being organised by his family, in Blackburn.

Theo’s gran, Michelle, who works in Housing Needs department at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

Now Theo is undergoing initial hospital treatment we need the public to help us raise funds for potentially lifesaving treatment.

There are a wide range of clinical trials for Neuroblastoma which are not currently available in the UK.  This is the reason why we have to raise money for Theo, to give him the best possible chance.

We are very grateful and appreciate all the support we have had from family and friends since July.  People from the Blackburn and Darwen community have been amazing and we are overwhelmed at times with the amount of support our little boy and family have received.”

Councillor Mohammed Khan, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

I wish all the runners taking part in this important cause the best of luck and hope they raise as much money as possible. Please support them.”

Hoodies, t-shirts and wristbands are available by contacting Bryan Lee Builders on 01254 679881, who have been helping to co-ordinate the fundraising.

Anyone who wants to enter the race and raise some cash for Theo, can follow the link: /www.runningdiary.co.uk/race/wesham-10k. The cost to race is between £10 and £12.

Alternatively, to sponsor the runners, visit the sponsor page :www.gofundme.com/kn2czahg. or leave sponsorship money in an envelope, clearly marked for Maggie Ainslie in the reception of Blackburn Town Hall.