Great Bristol Run 2024: Ten-year-old and grandma to take part in memory of baby brother

A ten-year-old and his grandmother will be among the runners taking part in AJ Bell Great Bristol Run’s Family Run on May 19.

The run is a mile-long course open to runners aged three and above, with all funds raised going to the Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the dedicated charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital.

This year’s theme is “Finding Your Superpower” and runners are encouraged to take part in superhero-themed fancy dress, with Wallace and Gromit cheering runners on the start line.

Among those joining the Family Run this year is Ruth Smith and her 10-year-old grandson, Oscar, who will be running in memory of Oscar’s brother Ethan, who was treated at Bristol Children’s Hospital before he passed away at just 11 weeks old in December 2023.

At only two days old, Ethan was admitted to hospital in Gloucester’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after experiencing seizures and struggling to breathe, before being transferred to the Bristol Children’s Hospital.

He showed symptoms of Ohtahara Syndrome, a rare condition which could be a cause of mitochondrial disease, but there was no evidence of the genetic conditions that would usually cause it, and unfortunately, despite a series of investigations and interventions, doctors were unable to save him and the cause of his illness remains unknown.

His family are grateful for the help they received from Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal during Ethan’s time at Bristol Children’s Hospital, and whilst she hasn’t taken part in running for awhile, his grandmother Ruth along with Ethan’s brother, Oscar, will be taking part in the Family Run in memory of Ethan.

Get the best Bristol news, straight to your inbox

Ruth said: “The support we got from Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal was just unbelievable. Everyone was amazing. We never felt alone on the journey and they were all so wonderful with Oscar.

“It made a massive difference to us. Even though we were in a hospital, it felt like a home from home.

“You want to throw yourself into something to help anyone who’s going through anything similar. And doing something positive like this helps with the grief.”

Oscar shared: “I’m running because of my baby brother Ethan. He was very poorly and I’m doing this for him.”

Great Bristol Run

Spaces for the Family Run, half marathon and 10k have sold out.

However, a number of charity places are still available for the 10k and half marathon events, including places in the 10k for Pandas Foundation, Big Yellow Foundation, United Kingdom for UNHCR, Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire and Ronald McDonald House Charities UK. They are also going quickly so be sure to sign up fast at www.greatrun.org/events/great-bristol-run/#charities

To hear about when entries open for the 2025 AJ Bell Great Bristol Run, register your interest at www.greatrun.org/events/great-bristol-run/

To find out more about Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, including how to donate, visit www.grandappeal.org.uk