A FATHER and son are tackling the Great North Run in aid of a close friend with a brain condition.

Ben Snowdon, manager of St Bees Athletic FC, and his five-year-old son Jack, are collecting donations for the club's former player, 23-year-old Thomas “Titch” Froggatt, from Egremont. 

In 2010, Tom developed an undiagnosed brain condition at 18 years of age with symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s which meant that he required 24 hour care.

During the last few weeks Tom’s condition has deteriorated and he is currently being cared for in Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary and will soon be moved to a hospice.  

As well as being a talented footballer, Tom has always loved music. Since 2010 Annie Mawson's Sunbeams Music Trust has provided Tom and his parents with support and care.

The St Bees duo are helping to raise money for a £50,000 therapy room dedicated to Tom in the new Sunbeams centre, Penrith. Jack will be running in the junior race which is just over one mile. 

“Usually I would not ask people for sponsorship but this is for a cause and more specifically somebody who is very close to me,” said 38-year-old Ben.

“Titch has been a player at my club since he was eight years of age and has been part of the Sunday League side that I have been involved with since the age of 16."

Ben is giving anybody who donates over £10 the chance to be entered into a draw to choose a musical star for him to dress up as for the race.

“I am starting to get a little worried,” said Ben. “If it gets people donating then that’s great but I never knew there were so many Katie Perry and Cheryl Cole fans out there!"

Annie Mawson MBE, founder and chief executive of Sunbeams, still gives a weekly music therapy session to Tom and said what has happened to him is "unbearably heartbreaking."

"What Ben and Jack are doing is just unbelievable," said Annie. "For a young lad like Jack to run so far for people less fortunate than himself is so heartwarming and a real testament to his parents."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Benjackrun