THE aunt of a disabled boy plans to run a marathon in aid of a centre that gives him support.

Sharon Famiglietti, of Station Road, Loughton, is training to run the London Marathon in aid of a centre that helps 13-year-old Ian Clements cope with cerebral palsy.

“Sadly my gorgeous nephew can only communicate through his eyes and his beautiful smile as cerebral palsy means he cannot move, talk or look after himself,” she said.

“He was starved of oxygen at birth. Mentally, he is not disabled at all, but physically, his only voluntary reflexes are his eyes.

“It’s upsetting seeing a child, or anybody, trapped in a body that doesn’t work properly.”

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain – usually before, during or soon after birth – and affects people in different ways.

Mrs Famiglietti, who has two children aged eight and 11 and teaches ante-natal classes in and around Loughton, hopes to raise at least £2,000 for the Bobath Centre in Wales, where Ian has physiotherapy.

“It’s a centre for people with cerebral palsy, which offers physiotherapy,” she said.

“It also helps the family by supporting them with coming to terms with the condition.

“Ian has been going every year since he was born, in one or two week blocks and they help with things like adjusting his chair and maximising the use of his muscles.”

The 44-year-old said training for the 26-mile run, which takes place in April, was going well.

“Running a marathon appears to be like childbirth - everybody has a horrible story to tell you about the pain,” she added.

“But I did the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October and I’m reasonably fit, so I’m determined I’m going to do it whatever.”

To sponsor Mrs Famiglietti, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SharonFami or text SHAR88 with the amount you want to donate to 70070.