A Maidstone schoolboy collapsed from multiple organ failure seconds away from the end of a 10km race.

Sam Bartholomew was just 200 metres from the finish line when he fell ill during the competitive run.

The 18-year-old was in an induced coma for a week at Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford, after being found unresponsive by the side of the course on August 5.

Invicta Grammar School pupil Sam, whose parents were watching the run at Gravesend Cyclopark, was then transferred to King’s College Hospital in London.

He remains in the specialist liver intensive therapy unit and is making good progress.

His father Terry said: “To start with, the prognosis was not very good at all. But Sam is a fighter and is doing well.

“He’s still very weak but is starting to talk to people. His liver seems to be repairing well but his kidneys have not started working yet, which we are told is quite normal in these circumstances.

"He’s going to be in hospital for a little while yet and then there will be a long rehabilitation process.”

Mr Bartholomew, of Rectory Lane South, West Malling, said: “He had no pre-existing medical conditions that we were aware of. He was fit and well and I’m sure that helped him survive.”

His family are urging people to donate blood and sign up as organ donors, and friends and former team-mates of the former Aylesford Bulls Rugby Football Club player have arranged a run in his honour.

It will leave Sweatshop Maidstone, at Newnham Court Shopping Village, off Bearsted Road, at 7pm on Monday, September 12.

Friend Stacey Nixon posted on Facebook: “For such a friendly, well-loved guy. I hope your recovery is quick. Anyone is welcome to run to show support for someone who has done so much to make other people smile. It’s well beyond time for us to return the favour.”

While in hospital, the former Maidstone Grammar School student has received his AS-level results, picking up two As and two Bs.

The keen runner’s father added: “He wants to go on to do his A-levels and study at university, but he’ll need some time off first.”