A public sector worker from near Burton will be running the London Marathon in April this year on behalf of Stick ‘n’ Step, a charity that supports children with cerebral palsy and their families.

Stephen Hannam has run the 26.2 mile race previously for the charity, but was unwell the week before competing last time and was admitted to hospital.

Undeterred he still took part, by discharging himself from hospital, but despite crossing the finishing line, he was disappointed with his time.

Stephen has two sons who are supported weekly by Stick ‘n’ Step: Jack who is 10 years old and Oliver who is nine.

Having gained sponsorship and trained for the challenge, Stephen felt very unwell 10 days before the event during his final training and was taken to hospital.

After raising money for the charity, he wanted to ensure he had a go at running the marathon, even with a serious infection and managed to complete the gruelling 26.2 miles in five hours.

After 18 months, Stephen has fully recovered from the infection and is eager to raise more money for Stick ‘n Step again. His aim now is to raise £2,000 and achieve a personal best marathon time.

Steve’s two sons Jack and Oliver both attend weekly conductive education sessions at Stick ‘n’ Step’s centre based in Wallasey, Merseyside.

Stephen with two sons Jack and Oliver

Jack has cerebral palsy and his brother Oliver has hypermobility, which both affect the boys’ motor skills, muscle strength and stamina.

With the help of Stick ‘n’ Step, the boys have received much-needed treatment and skills to boost their abilities.

Both Jack and Oliver have seen huge improvements in their independence and confidence, and enjoy attending the sessions alongside children just like them.

Jack has recently been picked to play in goal for his school team, which is something he never thought he would be able to do.

Stephen said: “The support that Stick ‘n’ Step have provided my two sons and our family is priceless. The charity have boosted the boys’ confidence by miles with the improvements in their movements and muscle control. Jack has been selected to play for Cerebral Palsy United after being told he would never be involved in sports with his friends. Oliver’s strength has improved greatly and you can see how much confidence this gives him. Combined, it costs around £7000 to fund my two son’s places at Stick ‘n’ Step and it is completely free for us. This is why I want to raise as much money as possible for the charity, as they have provided us with so much support over the years and I want to give something back.”

Dad Stephen helps son Jack walk after his last operation

Stephen continued “I raised £2000 last time I attempted running the marathon, which is why I still ran after becoming unwell. I hope to raise just as much this time round for Stick ‘n’ Step and get a good time running for myself, and the people who sponsor me. My training has begun and I’m really looking forward to race day.”

Operations manager at Stick ‘n’ Step Sarah Smithson said: “We are very happy to see that Steve is going to have another go at completing the marathon. His determination to complete the marathon two years ago was inspiring, especially due to the circumstances. It is great to see the families participating in so many great events in support of us. We would like to thank Stephen for all his fundraising and we are looking forward to seeing him cross the finish line.”

Stick ‘n’ Step provides free conductive education sessions, which are not offered by the NHS, to help children with cerebral palsy learn vital life skills, like walking and talking, through participating in group activities.

It’s a place where they can make friends and grow in confidence, and where parents have access to respite and support.

Families travel each week from across the North West and North Wales to the Stick ‘n’ Step Centre in Wallasey to receive this life changing service.

Stick ‘n’ Step receives no government funding and relies completely on fundraising to cover its annual running cost of £370,000.

If you would like to support Stephen with his fundraising please visit https://www.justgiving.com/SteH

If you are running the London Marathon this year for charity, tell us your story by email to cheshire.news@trinitymirror.com.