A GRIEVING grandad from Ashton is taking on the Great Manchester Run this year to help raise money for The Christie in memory of his grandson, Freddie Lowe, from Rochdale.

Freddie tragically died of a rare childhood cancer last year at the age of three.

Des Lowe, 58, will run in Manchester’s iconic 10k mass running event on May 22 as a tribute to Freddie who was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer in the nasal area, in October 2020.

Freddie’s’ diagnosis came following a short illness that appeared to start with a cold and sore throat.

The toddler underwent nine months of treatment for the tumour at the back of his throat, which included chemotherapy and 28 sessions of proton beam therapy.

The proton beam therapy took place at The Christie in Withington, at the time, the only NHS centre in the UK providing the treatment. A second centre at University College London Hospitals has since opened.

Des, who is a retired railway safety expert, said: "My grandson Freddie was typical of any other little boy of that age, cheeky, loveable, inquisitive and full of fun, energy and life.

“Freddie was brave and courageous throughout his illness and touched the hearts of so many people, I will miss him always and love him forever.

“Losing Freddie to cancer has been devastating, and whilst he is always in my heart and in my mind, each day is difficult.

"Cancer doesn't discriminate, it can affect any of us in our lifetime, but it was so cruel to lose Freddie at such a young age.

“He had such a cheeky smile. In many of our family photos, he would do a thumbs up gesture showing his cheeky mischievous manner.

“The care that Freddie got at The Christie was exceptional and my family is so grateful for everything they did for Freddie.

“Doing the Great Manchester Run for The Christie is the least I can do to help give something back to such a wonderful organisation that helps so many people with cancer.”

This isn’t the first time Des has run in memory of Freddie. Along with Freddie’s dad Chris, he ran the Manchester Marathon last year to raise money for charity in Freddie’s memory.

To sign up to run for Team Christie visit The Christie website.