Dad runs to help Harry

The strength of brotherly love has prompted a proud dad to sign-up for the Great North Run to help a charity close to his family’s heart.

Gary Piper (41) is training hard for the event on September 9 in Newcastle, but the support from sons George and

Harry is motivating him to pound the roads on his tough training schedule.

Harry, who will be two in September, has an incredibly rare genetic syndrome which has seen him spend time in hospital.

But his family, of Spalding, have been able to stay with him thanks to The Sick Children’s Trust which provides accommodation.

Gary, his wife Nicola and son George (4) were able to stay at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, while Harry underwent several procedures to help him.

He required a gastric feeding tube, but complications meant he had to have a Hickman line into his neck.

“Harry loved his brother being around, it is said that a family together actually promotes the recovery, it certainly did in our case,” said Gary, an accounts development manager with the Suttons group.

The former Bourne Town and Holbeach United footballer even trained during a recent family break to Gran Canaria.

“I am finding it really tough, but then when I don’t run, I miss it,” he said.

Gary literally burnt his football boots when he gave up the sport at the age of 40.

Harry has Bainbridge Ropers Syndrome which affects only around 70 people around the world.

His mum is now also his full-time carer.

“Without the Sick Children’s Trust, families would not be able to be together when it is vitally important,” said Gary.

He can be sponsored via text, by sending GAZP77£10 to 70070 to donate £10. Or visit his page at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gary-piper2