9-year-old Tobias Weller named in England's Lionhearts squad

'Captain’ Tobias Weller from Sheffield has become the second member of the England Lionhearts squad, after completing an inspiring marathon and raising almost £150,000 for charity.

The Lionhearts initiative aims to pay homage to 23 inspirational individuals who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic and honour lockdown heroes.

Tobias set himself a target to complete a full marathon by walking up and down his street every day. The 9-year-old has cerebral palsy, but he didn't let that hold him back. At the start, Tobias could walk a maximum of 50 metres, but through his own determination and spirit, was soon completing up to 750 metres each day.

As he passed the finishing line for his 79-day marathon, cheered on by a crowd of local friends and family, his Lionhearts shirt was ready and waiting to be presented to him along with a message from his hero captain, Sir Tom Moore.

Ruth Garbutt, Tobias’ mother, said:

To be a part of the Lionhearts squad for Tobias, it’s just such a massive achievement for him. I’m so, so proud of him and what he’s achieved and how he’s taken it all in his stride. He’s shown great determination and character and I always knew he was going to do some great things with his life, but I just didn’t realise he was going to do them when he was nine-years-old.

Tobias has already received a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister.