A PAIR of brothers are preparing to run next year’s London Marathon in memory of their brother who died as a baby.

Steve Bruce, from Braintree, and younger brother Tom, from Colchester, are both set to take on next April’s London Marathon for the Lullaby Trust.

The pair are running in memory of little brother Stuart, who died a cot death when Steve was only three, and before Tom was born.

The Lullaby Trust raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), provides expert advice on safer sleep for babies and offers emotional support for families who have suffered child bereavement.

Steve said: “My brother’s death was one of my first memories, he died of SIDS, and the last picture we took was just two days before Christmas.

Braintree and Witham Times: Steve and Stuart's last picture togetherSteve and Stuart's last picture together (Image: N/A)

“Ever since I have always wanted to do something for him in his name and to raise awareness of it all.”

The London Marathon is taking place on April 23 next year, with both Steve and Tom set to take part.

Steve added: “I have always done a bit of running and started running just before lockdown.

“Now I am doing a 25-week programme and being really strict.

“Tom is an avid runner, so we decided to run it together, and he is basically a coach for me during this which is great.”

The pair both have a £2,000 target to run for the trust and have each raised nearly £500 already.

Braintree and Witham Times: Steve BruceSteve Bruce (Image: N/A)

Braintree and Witham Times: Tom BruceTom Bruce (Image: N/A)

Steve said: “Supporting this trust is so important to me and it has been brilliant to see the support we have already gotten so quickly.

“My parents didn't have the support that's around now when our family went through the loss.

“At the time it was my slightly older sister Sarah, myself, Stuart and my parents.

“We are all so proud of our parents getting through such a difficult time without the support that is now available.

“So to be able to go some way to help this amazing charity help so many families in the terrible position we were in really does mean the world to myself and Tom.”

To support Steve, visit bit.ly/3sKUvsO. To support Tom, visit bit.ly/3NlWflT.