A CWMBRAN boy who is on oxygen 24 hours a day has been given £2,400 by a London Marathon runner.

Adam Leighton, 10, a Fairwater Junior School pupil, was diagnosed with Freeman Sheldom Syndrome when he was 18 months old.

It is a rare condition and Adam was only the 89th case discovered in the world since 1943.

Super-fit runner Dave Bassett, 53, said it is the fifth time he has run the famous course.

"I always run it for a local individual. My wife Gail teaches at the school and suggested raising money for Adam. He is a plucky little kid."

Mr Bassett ran the 26 miles course in three hours 38 minutes. His personal best is three hours 15 minutes.

Mr Bassett, a personnel director with Continental Teves in Ebbw Vale, joked: "I am just getting older. Old age must be catching up. I think the next one will be when I am 60." Adam's dad Andrew, 38, from Deerbrook, said: "I did not expect so much money to be raised. I take my hat off to Dave. Anyone who can do a marathon is special.'

"Adam has been on oxygen since he was two and a half." He said that the latest ventilator Adam is using has "done him wonders". "It is the best he has been for a long time," he said.

Adam's condition means that he has to carry an oxygen cylinder with him everywhere.

Mr Leighton said that this has not prevented his son becoming a part of daily school life.

"Adam has always coped with life. It has not stopped him doing what he wants to do. He has started to play football. I was told he was climbing trees the other day. His disability has never held him back. If he wants to do something he does it."

The generous donation will be used to build Adam a new bedroom with a shower and toilet.