Sheffield’s ‘Captain Tobias’, 13, completes 10k in latest challenge

An inspired teenager said it was “absolutely amazing” to have completed a 10k challenge in his wheelchair to help fund a new hall for his school.

Tobias Weller, who suffers from cerebral palsy and autism, has taken on a series of epic challenges over the years, inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore.

His efforts meant he became the youngest person to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2022.

His most recent challenge was to complete the Dearne Valley 10K in South Yorkshire.

Tobias was pushed along the course in a specialist multi-terrain wheelchair by a team of 20 runners from Totley Athletics Club and completed the course in 90 minutes.

He said: “It was absolutely amazing. There were a lot of people supporting me.

“We clapped, clapped and sang along.”

His mum Ruth, who was one of the runners, said: “He was quite injured so Tobias was jumping for an hour and a half trying to keep his balance.

“He got a huge cheer when we got to the end. It was absolutely fabulous, we had a blast and we’re so proud of Tobias.”

The teenager, nicknamed ‘Captain Tobias’ after Keighley-born Captain Sir Tom, received the BEM award in 2022 after completing a series of fundraising challenges, starting with an isolation marathon.

So far it has raised more than £168,000 for Paces School in Sheffield and the city’s Children’s Hospital.

Tobias’ previous challenges have included an Ironman, completed over the course of a year – traveling 112 miles on a tricycle, swimming 2.5 miles and running 26.2 miles, the length of a full marathon.

The youngster said he had another challenge “up his sleeve”, which he promised would be “bigger and better”.

He added: “It’s going to be a great event that a lot of people can join, but I’m not going to spill the beans on that one just yet.”