Captain Tobias meets the therapist his fundraising pays for
A therapist employed with money raised by inspirational fundraiser "Captain" Tobias Weller has said: "I will do everything I can over the coming weeks and months to make him proud."
Tobias, 10, who has cerebral palsy and autism, was nicknamed "Captain" after he was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore to start raising money during the pandemic lockdowns.
He completed his third challenge in September and has so far raised more than £150,000 for his school and The Children's Hospital Charity, in his home town of Sheffield.
The money raised for the hospital has funded a two-year position for an exercise and physical activity therapist at the Ryegate Centre at the hospital.
The first person to fill the position is Reece Goodwin, from Rotherham, who works alongside physiotherapists and occupational therapists at the centre and said it is his "dream job".
"It's amazing knowing that Reece is helping lots of other children to reach their goals", said Tobias.
"And the fact that my fundraising made this happen is just...wow...it's an absolutely incredible feeling."
Reece said:
He added: "For me, it's a really exciting opportunity to give back and help children become more active. I have cerebral palsy, so I have personal experience on how to help children with neurological conditions.
"It's really rewarding, not only to offer help and support, but to take families through the kind of challenges I've had to overcome and give them hope.
It's a dream job for me and, although it's a very new role, everyone here has been so willing to help me settle in."
Tobias's fundraising challenges have been followed around the UK and praised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill.
His most recent challenge involved an Ironman completed over the course of a year, involving 180km on his trike, a 4km swim and running the length of a full marathon.
His mother, Ruth Garbutt, said: "The Ryegate Centre plays a huge part in Tobias's ongoing care. He has visited regularly since he was less than a year old, seeing a range of therapists and consultants who endeavour to help Tobias progress as much as possible.
"It is quite overwhelming to know that Tobias has raised money that will, potentially, change the lives of other children."