ONE marathon runner has today revealed why the memory of a brave 17-year-old boy has inspired her to raise money in his honour.Nicholas Miller was born prematurely and suffered from Down's syndrome, epilepsy and cerebral palsy all his life.

ONE marathon runner has today revealed why the memory of a brave 17-year-old boy has inspired her to raise money in his honour.

Nicholas Miller was born prematurely and suffered from Down's syndrome, epilepsy and cerebral palsy all his life.

He died suddenly, but peacefully, on March 1, which devastated the many people who had known him.

One of those was Carina Sewell, a paediatric occupational therapist who knew Nicholas since he was a baby.

She said: “He was a wonderful boy.

“He never learned to walk or talk but always managed to communicate, and he loved music.

“It made me realise how lucky I was.”

Ms Sewell, 46, who lives in Melton Hill in Woodbridge, explained that Nicholas had attended Heathside School and Belstead School and had also received care at the Ipswich Children's Hospice, where she works occasionally.

She added: “There was something about him and his family that touched the lives of everyone they met.

“I learnt a lot from him and I always find I learn more from the children I work with than I can from any book.”

So when she decided to run the London Marathon for the fourth time she found it easy to choose to support East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

She said: “I got a job there 18 months ago and it was like a dream come true for me.

“It is a really happy place with people like Nicholas who are really inspiring.

“So I am hoping to be able to raise £1,000 to help all the children who are cared for.”

She added: “All the people that work there are committed to getting it right and there is time for the children and young people to do what they want and for parents to think.”

To support Carina Sewell visit her fundraising website at www.justgiving.com/carinasewell

Do you have a tribute for Nicholas? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail at eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.

East Anglia's Children's Hospices

East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) offers a range of services to support children and young people with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions and their families.

An individual care plan is written for every child.

Care is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team including nurses, community palliative care nurses, carers, play and activity co-ordinators, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, music therapists, family support practitioners, teachers, information specialist and chaplaincy.