A run held by friends of an 18-year-old who collapsed from multiple organ failure was a big success.

Sam Bartholomew had been in hospital since August 5, when he collapsed 200m from the finish line of a 10km race at Gravesend Cyclopark.

The former Aylesford Bulls rugby player was first taken to Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford, but was later transferred to King's College Hospital in London when consultants established his liver was the major issue.

He was put into an induced coma in a specialist liver intensive care unit, where he remained until Monday night.

While his dad was coming to pick him up from hospital after his discharge, a group of friends were running 10km to raise money for King's College Hospital Charity.

The route started at Sweatshop Maidstone at Newnham Court Shopping Village at 7pm, and around 50 friends of the family attended to show their support.

The group has so far raised just under £800 for the charity, almost doubling their original target of £400.

Despite being discharged from hospital, the guest of honour was unfortunately unable to attend, as he is taking time at home to recover further.

He wrote on the Facebook event for the run: "Hey everyone, good luck for tonight. You've all made this entire episode easier for me and every like, message, and step tonight means so much."

Terry Bartholomew, Sam's father, said: "He's at home not doing an awful lot really, as at the moment his liver and kidneys are still recovering.

"We would really like to thank all of his friends that organised this run. Sam wished he could have been there."

The Invicta Grammar School pupil received his AS-level results while he was in hospital, attaining two A grades and two B grades.

Although he still dreams of going to university to read history or classics, his father says he might have to take some time out before doing his A-level exams.

"He needs time to recover, and obviously he wants to go back to school, but the longer he is away the more difficult it will be for him to do his exams this year.

"We'll be talking to the school next week, but he might have to wait until next year," he said.

When asked if he thinks his son will take up running again when he has made a full recovery, Mr Bartholomew said "definitely".