TWO young brothers from Worcester have a very special reason for putting on the pumps and taking part in the first ever junior event at this year’s Bupa Great Birmingham Run.

Alex Watson, aged 10, and his brother George, seven, from Rushwick near Worcester, will be running on Sunday, October 20, in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The pair are embarking on the challenge as staff at the hospital saved George’s life when he received treatment for a congenital heart condition.

The youngster was born with Fallot’s tetralogy, a heart defect affecting the flow and oxygenation of the blood, which is the most common cause of ‘blue baby syndrome’.

He had his first operation when he was just 18 months old and his most recent when he was four-and-a-half.

Mum Vicky, who ran alongside her mother Frances Barr in last year’s Bupa Great Birmingham Run, also in aid of the hospital, said it was great the whole family could get involved to support the cause.

“Both Alex and George will be running,” she said. “They came and watched us last year and just got so absorbed in it, it is great that they can get involved this year.

On the day, Alex will take part in the junior section, for nine to 16-year-olds, while George will run in the mini event, suitable for children aged between three and eight.

Vikki Savery, public fund-raising manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital added: “We are so excited there is an event for children at the Bupa Great Birmingham Run this year. “We’re delighted Alex and George have joined our first ever junior and mini teams.”

To sponsor George and Alex visit justgiving.com/george-alex or to take part yourself visit greatrun.org/birming