A trainee journalist will embark on a charity run this weekend in memory of a tragic toddler on whose death he reported.

The Derby Telegraph’s Isaac Crowson, left, will take up the challenge after he was contacted by the parents of William Furlong, a three-year-old who suffered from Miller-Dieker syndrome.

The condition left William, bottom right, blind and suffering epileptic fits and led ultimately to his death in June.

His family asked Isaac to join their fundraising efforts by donning a Father Christmas outfit for this coming Sunday’s Santa Dash in aid of the Rainbows Children’s Hospice, in Loughborough.

Since he was first diagnosed with the condition, William’s family have raised more than £25,000 for the hospice and colleagues of Isaac have already begun to donate to the cause by sponsoring him.

Said Isaac: “His family spoke to the paper about their loss and what it is now like not having William in their life.

“I never met William but he was clearly a tough lad and showed great character fighting a very difficult illness.

“His family approached me when they were after a 100th member to run on Sunday.

“I’ve never been a great runner, in fact I’ve never ran, but I was really adamant and enthused about joining William’s friends and family on the run.”