A Hadleigh three-year-old is running the distance of a marathon throughout October after his mum was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer.

Mitchell Russo's mum Tina was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in April this year.

East Anglian Daily Times: Three-year-old Mitchell Russo's mum Tina was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in April this year.Three-year-old Mitchell Russo's mum Tina was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in April this year. (Image: Tina Russo)

Tina has been receiving chemotherapy since the beginning of April and her sister, Nikki Vince, suggested a unique way in which to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.

Nikki and other family members will be helping Mitchell to run at least 26.2 miles, the distance of a marathon, from October 1 to 31.

Tina said: "Honestly, he probably runs five miles each day any way, he's a very lively little boy.

"Mitchell definitely understands that he's raising money for people who are poorly like mummy and he keeps asking when he can get started. I'm very proud of him."

East Anglian Daily Times: Nikki and other family members will be helping Mitchell to run at least 26.2 miles, the distance of a marathon, from 1st to 31st October.Nikki and other family members will be helping Mitchell to run at least 26.2 miles, the distance of a marathon, from 1st to 31st October. (Image: Tina Russo)

Tina also said that Mitchell has wanted to be involved in her cancer journey from the beginning, adding: "People ask me how I keep smiling all the time, but I have to because I've got Mitchell."

Thus far, £430 has been raised on the JustGiving page for the three-year-old's marathon - over 80% of Mitchell's original target.

"Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, it means so so much. We never thought it would hit us, but it did, " said Tina.

East Anglian Daily Times: Mitchell with his Auntie Nik Nik, Nikki Vince.Mitchell with his Auntie Nik Nik, Nikki Vince. (Image: Tina Russo)

"No matter how small or big the donation is, it definitely makes a difference."

Tina was diagnosed with TNBC in April and received her first round of chemotherapy on Monday, May 9.

She said she expected the cancer ward to be "morbid", but was surprised to find that the staff were the "bubbliest crowd".

East Anglian Daily Times: Mitchell will be running and walking the 26.2 miles, with the promise of ice cream as a good motivator for completing his challenge.Mitchell will be running and walking the 26.2 miles, with the promise of ice cream as a good motivator for completing his challenge. (Image: Tina Russo)

Tina added: "Even though I still have a long way to go, I'm so so grateful to them all. The NHS team are simply amazing and go above and beyond in everything they do."

Mitchell will be running and walking the 26.2 miles, with the promise of ice cream as a good motivator for completing his challenge.

His nursery, Hadleigh Parkside Pre-School, are also holding a fun day and donating 70% profits to Mitchell's fundraiser.