More than 25,000 people took part in the City to Bay fun run on Sunday, including Flinders student Alistair Fleming, who is raising funds to purchase a wheelchair-adapted vehicle for the family of seven-year-old Tasman Footner.

Mr Fleming works as sports coordinator at Our Lady of Grace Primary School, Tasman’s school. He was inspired to raise funds for the family at the school’s sports day this year, after seeing Tasman’s mother carry him through a 100m sprint event to ensure her child, who has cerebral palsy, could participate in the day.

One of the hurdles the family must overcome each day include dismantling Tasman’s heavy wheelchair every time he is taken in or out of the family car, a challenging task undertaken regularly by Tasman’s mother.

A wheelchair adapted vehicle would make transport significantly easier and also more comfortable for Tasman, meaning he could sit next to his sisters on the way to school.

Not a long-distance runner, Mr Fleming set himself his own challenge to run the 12km City to Bay, with the goal of raising $60,000 to purchase the family an adapted Kia Carnival.

Following his successful run on the weekend, Mr Fleming caught up with the family and handed his medal over to a delighted Tasman.

The car is not in the bag yet, but with $20,000 raised so far its well on the way.

The Go Fund Me page is remaining open – find out more or donate.