I kept reminding myself why I was doing it - firefighter completes run to Rome to help save life of Benny, 4

The words of Wearside firefighter Gary Tough who has completed a 1,393 mile challenge to help provide pioneering potentially life-saving treatment for a little boy who is battling a rare form of childhood cancer.

Four-year-old Benny Bahmanizad is battling neuroblastoma which is the same type of cancer which afflicted Bradley Lowery.

After two years of treatment, Benny’s family thought their child was free from the disease, only for it to return in September (2025).

Benny is currently ineligible for clinical trials for potentially pioneering treatment here in the UK. His family need to raise £393,000 to pay for Benny’s treatment and aftercare in Rome which now offers his best chance of beating the cancer.

To help raise vital funds, station manager Gary has walked, cycled and ran the equivalent distance from Benny’s High Shincliffe home to Rome, raising £2,713 for his brother’s nephew Benny’s cause.

Dad-of-two Gary spent 114 days covering an average of 12.2 miles every day to hit his target.

He finished his challenge by completing the Fraggle Run – a 50km ultra marathon around Durham City on Sunday, March 29.

After completing his mammoth challenge, dad of two Gary said: “The challenge has been really tough but also incredibly rewarding.

“I had to dig deep on a cold, windy day to get over the finish line - particularly in the last few miles - which were really difficult.

“I just kept reminding myself why I was doing it and thinking about all the support I’ve received, which kept me going.

“My challenge may be over, but Benny’s fight is still very much ongoing.

“He is expected to travel to Rome in the next couple of weeks to begin his treatment.

“This would not have been possible without the hard work, commitment, and generous donations from everyone involved.

“I would like to personally thank everyone who has donated, shared posts and offered words of encouragement.”

In February (2026) Washington based Glacier Health and Fitness Club raised nearly £60,000 for Benny’s cause after volunteers cycled the combined distance from Benny’s home to Rome and back.

You can still donate to Gary and Benny’s cause via his JustGiving page.

Gary added: “Looking back to where we started in December, the amount of money and awareness raised is absolutely incredible.

“Benny and his family are extremely grateful.”