Dad runs London Marathon after surgeon saved son's life

David Knowles is ‘eternally grateful’ to staff at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

His son Joseph underwent lifesaving brain surgery when he was only six weeks old and had to have another operation.

Joseph had to have emergency surgery when he was only six weeks old (Image: Public)

This little boy has just celebrated his third birthday and is now jumping with joy.

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Mobberley-born David, 38, and sister, Sarah, 34, a teacher from Wilmslow, will be joining 50,000 runners on Sunday, October 2, to raise money for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Charity.

Sarah and David Knowles hope to raise as much money as possible for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Charity (Image: Public)

Joseph was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, after developing a bleed on the brain.

Neurosurgeon John Kitchen fitted a shunt in an emergency operation to drain the excess fluid on his brain.

Further brain surgery had to be carried out when he was eight months old.

Joseph hailed 'a little superstar' by his proud mum (Image: Public)

Joseph underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy, whereby a small hole is made in the brain to allow trapped fluid to escape.

“Mr Kitchen saved his life,” said David, a surveyor.

“It’s incredible what they can do.

“Without the exceptional care and treatment Joseph has received over the last two years, he wouldn’t be here bringing so much love and joy into our lives.”

Joseph, now aged three, now coming on in leaps and bounds (Image: Public)

Before Joseph was born, his grandad John Ryan, of Over Peover, donated £100k to the hospital, not realising his grandson would need critical care.

Joseph, now three, is making a good recovery, with support from brother Jack, four and his family.

Jack, four, loves playing with brother Joseph, three (Image: Public)

Mum Gemma said: “He is such a little superstar. We are terribly proud of him for what he has been through.

“He’s such a little fighter.

“He has come on in leaps and bounds.”

David added: “Thankfully, if you look at him you wouldn’t think there was anything wrong with him. He just has a bit of weakness on his left side.

“He is such a happy little boy with a great sense of humour.

Joseph and brother Jack love having fun together (Image: Public)

“He is full of joy and laughter and enjoys every second of his life.

“He loves playing with his brother, running around and racing up the stairs.

“I am a very doting dad and want to spend as much time as I can with them.

David and Gemma Knowles with sons Joseph and Jack at Christmas (Image: Public)

“It makes you realise there is a lot more to life than earning as much money as you can.”

David loves running.

Sarah running the London Marathon in 2017 for The Christie in memory of mum Susan (Image: Public)

He completed the London Marathon with Sarah in 2017, and raised £10k for the Christie after their mum Susan, 61, died from a brain tumour in 2016.

Sarah and David Knowles ran the London Marathon in 2017 and raised £10k for The Christie in memory of their mum (Image: Public)

“Running is therapeutic,” said David, who has completed several other challenges including Ironman triathlon.

“It allows me to bring a sense and focus on things. It is my release.

“We want to raise as much money as we can for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

David ran the London Marathon in 2017 for The Christie in memory of mum Susan (Image: Public)

“They have been incredible in the way they have looked after Joseph and supported us.

“We are very grateful to anyone who can donate, however big or small.”

David's employer, the National Grid has generously offered to match fund whatever he raises.

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/david-sarahrunlondon2022