Theo preparing to take on 5K challenge in memory of his brother

A teenager is set to run five kilometres every day for 32 days – in memory of his brother on his 32nd birthday.

CANNOCK COPYRIGHT EXPRESS&STAR TIM THURSFIELD-09/05/20.Theo Wylie, aged 14 from Rugeley, is fundraising in memory of his brother Aaron who died of leukemia. .Theo has set himself a goal to run 5k for 32 days straight and in the process raise money for Blood Cancer UK (formerly Leukaemia Research)..THE FAMILY HAVE EMAILED A PIC OF AARON THROUGH TO REPORTERS APPARENTLY..

Theo Wylie, who lives in Rugeley, is set to take on the running challenge around his neighbourhood to help raise funds for Blood Cancer UK.

Theo, age 14, will run five kilometres each day for 32 days in a row, marking what would have been the 32nd birthday of his brother Aaron, who died aged 20 from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2008.

The teen said his brother had wanted to give back to the people who supported him during his battle with the disease, so he decided to carry on his brother's wish.

He said: "I decided that I'll carry that wish through and I'll give something back to the people who supported him by doing this challenge.

"Obviously, everybody's working so hard because of the pandemic, so it's all about trying to give back as much as I possibly can to help in any way."

Sport runs in the family, with Aaron having been a sports science student and Theo playing cricket at Shrewsbury school, although Theo admitted to not being a keen runner.

Theo Wylie, aged 14 from Rugeley, is fundraising in memory of his brother Aaron who died of leukemia

He said: "I've done a few bleep tests, but it's not something I do a lot of.

"It's all about taking yourself out of your comfort zone and that's what I intend to do for 32 days for a great brother.

"I know people are trying to save money at the moment, but if you can donate anything, be it big or small, I would be so pleased and grateful."

Theo's mother Julie said Theo had been very young when Aaron passed away and this was the first primary charity challenge he had done for Blood Cancer UK.

She also said Aaron would be very proud of Theo for what he was doing and would have joined him if he could have.

She said: "It just means so much at an emotional family level and we know he would have supported him all the way.

"It's just an incredible charity to give to because we have felt it first hand and we know the help they can give families going through this.

"We know we can help to beat this disease. Aaron lost his battle, but we'd like to help people with their battle going forwards."

To find out more and to donate to the fundraising event, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/theo-wylie