A LITTLE boy’s inspiring smile has prompted parishioners to organise a ‘personal marathon’ between two York churches to raise money for his fundraising appeal.

Blake Knaggs, who has a rare and incurable genetic condition, Mucolipidosis II ML2 (MPS), was baptised at St Nicholas Church in Wigginton.

Now a group from the church and St Mary’s Church, Haxby, are organising a fund raising walk in aid of the Blake’s Gene’s appeal, which has raised tens of thousands of pounds to fund research into his condition, support Martin House Hospice at Boston Spa and create a sensory room at his home.

It recently helped organise and fund an international seminar about the illness, which brought together families and specialists from across the world, providing them with information and hopefully prompting further research.

Parishioner Lindsey Steele said of Blake and the marathon: “It his inspirational smile and the church families’ wish to support him and his family that have galvanised this event.”

She said it would take place on July 9, starting from St Mary’s Church in Haxby between 11.30am and 12.00am and finishing at St Nicholas Church in Wigginton with refreshments and children’s activities.

“It is only half a mile between the two churches, a short stroll for a lot of people, but it can seem like a marathon for those whose mobility is limited by their stage of life, illness, disability or just a hard day,” she said.

“We are calling it Your Personal Marathon and inviting anyone who finds the distance easy to jump, hop, go three legged with a friend, put on fancy dress, or anything that makes the walk difficult for them.”

She said sponsorship forms were available from the Co-op in Haxby or from both churches, or by contacting her on 01904762929, but added: “We want to emphasise that sponsorship is not necessary. Donations can be made on the day or just come along and take part to show your support for Blake.”

She stressed that the event was open to all and not just members of the two churches.