Getabed’s Matt and Hannah Stuart have completed the Dubai Marathon in aid of a school their son, who has autism and sensory processing disorder, is set to attend.
The team completed the 26.2 miles in the Dubai heat in four hours and 50 minutes, pushing Bertie in a pram for the last 6km.
They were joined by four friends, and have raised nearly £10,000.
Supporters dressed in the team’s colour, yellow, and held up banners that said “Run for Bertie”.
“We started as a team, ran as team and finished as a team, so was a great effort from all, despite the heat; particularly in second half of the run,” said Stuart.
Six team members completed the run with two running ahead to reach personal target times.
“It was really nice that he was involved and crossed the finish line with us. We had absolutely unbelievable support on the day from Dubai friends and my mum and aunt who were visiting.”
So far, more than £9,500 has been raised for Woodlands Meed, a school in Sussex for children with physical, social, learning and communication disabilities.
Getabed managing Matt Stuart and his wife and Hannah, who also works for the bed bank, hope Bertie will attend the school when they return to the UK from Dubai in 2019. Money raised will go towards new equipment for the school.
Stuart added: “We never dreamed we would get anywhere near this type of figure, and it is thanks to all of your incredibly generous support. Thank you to each and every one who has supported ‘team #runforbertie’ by sponsoring or/and helping out in any other way. We have been totally blown away by the numbers of people who have got involved.”
To sponsor the charity effort, visit the team’s Just Giving page.