A seven-year-old has raised £600 for a children's centre by running the distance of a marathon in the space of a month.

Phoenix Fowler, from Rainham, decided to take on the 26-mile challenge in aid of Snapdragons, in Strood, after he was inspired by the nation's fundraising efforts during lockdown.

Snapdragons Children's Centre is a facility run by Medway Community Healthcare (MCH) and Medway Council, which provides support for a multitude of disciplines for children, young people and their parents.

Phoenix said: "I ran in the rain and wind but I did stop off and watch the trains at the crossing in Rainham, as I love trains, they are my favourite."

His mum, Kellie, said: "This was a big challenge for him, as he had to overcome his sensory issues to be able to complete the challenge, which meant having to deal with things such as noise and the weather."

Family engagement officer at MCH, Karen Adgie, said: "Phoenix is such an inspiration to us all.

"The money he has raised is going to be spent on new switch-adapted sensory toys for children with disabilities at our centre.

"We provide services to children with cerebral palsy and neurological disorders, so we need toys which are specially adapted.

"The switch-adapted toys help the children become more independent through working the toys themselves.

"Phoenix has helped make this possible and on behalf of everyone at Snapdragons we want to say a huge thank you."

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