A Weymouth teenager who has 'had to deal with so much' after losing his brother and close friend has completed a 14.3 mile run in memory of the pair.

Alfie Ellis, 13, ran the distance on Saturday, June 10 alongside his dad Mike and said 'a lot of love and support' got him over the finish line in two hours, 31 minutes. 

The teenager wanted to do something to remember his brother Riley Ellis and friend Trey Rodd, who both tragically took their own lives last year.

Both boys were much-loved and popular young people, and Wey Valley Academy student Alfie wanted to take on a challenge in their memory.

The inspirational youngster started at Dorchester Cricket Club, ran to Weymouth past his school, then to Weymouth Hockey Club, Wessex Golf Course, The Marsh, along the seafront, before finishing at Lodmoor Country Park.

He did this in aid of two charities - Gully's Place Trust Fund, a Dorset NHS charity, and Young Minds, a mental health good cause.

Dad Mike expects his son to have raised about £12,000 which will be split equally between the two charities after 'Alfie's Run for Riley and Trey'. 

Dorset Echo: Alfie Ellis (left) ran more than 14 miles in memory of late brother Riley Ellis and close friend Trey Rodd.Alfie Ellis (left) ran more than 14 miles in memory of late brother Riley Ellis and close friend Trey Rodd. (Image: Family handouts)

When Alfie arrived at Lodmoor he was greeted by about 150 people urging him and his father over the finish line. 

He said: "I was very pleased at the turn-out for the start at Dorchester Cricket Club, I felt a lot of love and support which sent me on my way.

"I smashed through the first leg to Redlands and was feeling strong through the next two legs.

"When I set off from The Marsh it started to get tougher, but I knew I was on the final leg.

"When we got into Lodmoor I could hear people and when I saw how many where there I got me over the finish line. 

"Thank you to everybody who supported me and donated. I never thought I would raise this much - the two charities will benefit from the money."

Dad Mike added: "We are all immensely proud of him. He's had to deal with so much this last year and then to do this all for others is wonderful.

"The support was unbelievable from all of his clubs - he is over the moon and the charities have been made up by it.

"It was really nice to do it with him, we pulled each other through when we both had struggles at different times.

"My brother-in-law and some friends were on bikes and brought a speaker with a playlist and there were some inspirational messages along the route. 

"All of those people have come out for Alfie to support him, but also for Riley and Trey as well, which was overwhelming."

Alfie also performed at a concert in memory of musician Riley at Weymouth College on May 25, getting on stage with his brother's band at the sold-out gig last month.