A BROUGHTON mum and son have clocked up the miles in aid of a cause close to their hearts.

Claire Kitchen and her son Henry, 12, have racked up a whopping 56 miles over the course of February to raise cash for The Captain Tom Foundation by running around their local area.

The daily challenge was inspired by the NHS fundraising hero Sir Captain Tom Moore – who’s funeral took place on February 27.

The duo completed their challenge on Sunday – complete with a finishing line at the family home made from toilet roll!

Looking back on the challenge, Claire said: “Henry was steaks ahead of me as we ran. The two miles a day was something manageable but – when you put it all together – it’s a big distance to have covered in a month.

“We wanted to do our bit and raise some money for the amazing NHS and give something back.

“Captain Tom really inspired us with his challenge given the times that we are living through and what he achieved during that. To do it for his charity seemed so fitting.”

Captain Tom united the nation and gave hope when it was needed most when he raised millions of pounds for the NHS.

The 100-year-old’s family identified three causes which will benefit from the new Captain Tom Foundation including tackling loneliness, supporting people facing bereavement and championing education and equality.

Claire says that the family – like many around the UK – have their own personal reasons to be thankful for the NHS.

She explained how Henry, who attends Abbey Gate College in Chester, was diagnosed with Perthes disease back in 2014 when he was just six years old.

This rare hip condition affects around 1 in 9,000 children and, at present, the NHS do not clearly understand why it occurs.

Henry had corrective surgery at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool to help correct the problem as it can lead to developing painful arthritis in adulthood if left untreated.

She said: “After Henry’s operation, and everything we are going through as a country at the moment, we just wanted to set ourselves a little physical challenge but also help those who are helping us.”

Claire added that she has been ‘blown away’ by the level of support the pair have received – raising an incredible £700 as of Sunday evening.

To show support, you can still donate on their JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Claire-Kitchen2.