A FARNHAM boy who had a left leg through-knee amputation in 2019 has completed his third Race for the Kids to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

Thomas O’Toole, 12, was born with a congenital fixed flection contracture of his left knee, which meant it was fixed bent at a 90-degree angle.

At the age of nine, Thomas underwent amputation at GOSH. Only three months later he completed his first Race for the Kids and finished the Hyde Park 5km course in an hour.

Last year, having received his first prosthetic blade, he completed the virtual 5km Race for the Kids in 38 minutes. Thomas took on the virtual Race for the Kids again this year, although it didn’t go quite as planned.

Thomas’ mother Georgina O’Toole said: "He was in a lot of pain because of an ill-fitting socket. We are just having another one made as he’s outgrowing his current ones.

"He hasn’t been able to wear his running blade for a couple of weeks, so he wore his other leg but ended up with the skin rubbing off the end of his stump. It was a real trial to get round - it took nearly two hours. But he showed real grit and did it."

Thomas hasn’t let his disability define him, and aspires to be a Paralympian and a TV presenter. He starred in Jonnie’s Blade Camp on Channel 4 this summer. He regularly plays golf and has taken up football, cycling, tennis and athletics.

Last year Thomas did a mini triathlon and raised more than £11,000 for LimbPower, which supports people with limb loss or limb difference.

"Thomas is defined by his resilience," said Georgina.

"He’s used his sense of humour to get through things ever since he was little.

"Once, when we were glamping in France, all the other kids were climbing to the top of the climbing frame and he couldn’t join in. Instead of getting upset, he started telling jokes and singing songs at the bottom of the climbing frame and making everyone laugh instead.

"That’s a story that sums him up quite well. He’s determined, resilient and funny."

Thomas’ Race for the Kids challenge has so far raised £1,701 for GOSH. Anyone who would like to donate should visit www.rbcraceforthekids.com/fundraisers/georginaotoole32165/gosh