Army mechanic runs marathon for son who died of rare condition

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

An army mechanic is running the Abingdon Marathon to raise funds for Oxford Hospitals Charity in memory of his 15-month-old son Lennox, who died from SMARD-1.

Marcus Rhodes, an army mechanic, is running the Abingdon Marathon to raise funds for Oxford Hospitals Charity in memory of his son Lennox, who died in September from SMARD-1, a rare genetic condition that causes severe muscle weakness.

Lennox was born at John Radcliffe Hospital and underwent surgery at six months old for a weakened diaphragm. The family moved from Abingdon to Cyprus due to Mr Rhodes' work with the RAF. In spring, Lennox became seriously ill with bronchiolitis and was admitted to intensive care in Cyprus. After a week, he was flown back to the UK and transferred to John Radcliffe Hospital, where he was diagnosed with SMARD-1. He required 24-hour ventilation and the Paediatric Critical Care Unit became his home.

Mr Rhodes said he is running 'for Lennox, for the other families we met on the unit and those who will come after us, and to say thank you to the amazing hospital staff'. He described the unit staff as becoming 'like family' and praised 'their skill, compassion and unwavering support' during what he called 'an unimaginable journey'.

How it is being reported

• Army mechanic to run marathon in memory of 15-month-old son who diedAn army mechanic is running a marathon in memory of his 15-month-old son.Oxford Mail · 17 Oct, 05:00
• Army mechanic to run marathon in memory of 15-month-old son who diedAn army mechanic is running a marathon in memory of his 15-month-old son.Oxfordshire Guardian · 17 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Marcus Rhodes · Lennox Rhodes · Oxford Hospitals Charity · John Radcliffe Hospital · Abingdon · Cyprus

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