THE strength and determination of an eight-year-old boy who died of a brain tumour has inspired his mother to organise a fun run where able and disabled children will run side by side.

Jakob Hyde was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was seven years old. He died in 2004.

His mum came up with the idea of the Chicken Run - named after Jakob's favourite film - to celebrate his courage "as well as the energy we all have but often take for granted".

It will be one of three fun runs intended to break down the barriers between able and disabled children.

The wheelchair-friendly race was named by one of Jakob's school friends in memory of the hit Hollywood animated film.

Mum Anna Hyde, aged 39, of Colwall, near Malvern, said: "Our wonderful son spent nine months battling against a brain tumour. Going to the chemotherapy suite at Birmingham Children's Hospital was very humbling. I saw so much courage and saw there was no reason for people with disabilities to be separated."

The fund-raising event, due to be held on Saturday, May 21, at the Three Counties Showground, will raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice, Bath Road, Worcester, that cares for life-limited children and their families.

The Three Counties Showground offered its service free of charge.

The three runs are being held in association with Worcester Athletics Club.

They are the Malvern Half Marathon, the first official half marathon in the county, the Malvern Spring, a 5km - 3.1 mile - run or walk through a wooded area, and the Chicken Run. Mrs Hyde said: "It will really bring everybody together."

As a teacher at Hereford Sixth Form College, many of her pupils are supporting the triple run by helping to spread the word as well as taking part themselves.

Each race ends on the same finishing line and everybody will get a medal for taking part. There is an entry fee and proceeds will go to Acorns or a charity of the participant's choice.

The organisers are now asking local sports organisations, from football clubs to archery teams, if they want to help out on the day by coming along with their equipment, and letting people have a go at some other sports.

More information, application and sponsorship forms are available from the website www.malvernrun.org.uk or via the helpline on 01386 554848.