Challenging trek will help Eddie’s dream of walking become reality – In Your Area

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Claire and Brad Weeks, who live near Bampton, will walk from Exe Head near Simonsbath, Somerset, to Starcross, Devon

A 60-mile trek from source to sea will help raise funds to help an eight-year-old live his dream and walk unaided.

Claire and Brad Weeks, who live near Bampton, will walk from Exe Head near Simonsbath, Somerset, to Starcross, Devon, over 24 hours on December 21 and 22, following the River Exe.

Despite following the river downstream, the couple will still have to climb more than 1500m over the route.

Brad explained: Were helping fundraising for life-changing selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery (SDR), intensive physiotherapy and equipment for Eddie Weston, who has cerebral palsy.

His family are aiming to raise 60,000 to ensure that he wont lose his ability to walk with his walking frame and tripod sticks. SDR surgery is a treatment used to reduce spasticity - muscle stiffness - in cerebral palsy.

It involves carefully cutting nerves in the lower spine that are linked to the affected muscles. There are several reasons why Eddies family are seeking the option of private treatment.

Eddie is booked to have surgery in January. The surgery costs 34,500.

Claires family background plays a significant role in us wanting to support Eddie and his family, Brad said.

Claires younger brother Mark was born in 1985 with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and spent his life working with physiotherapists both in the UK and in Budapest learning to stand and walk.

It was Mark and his team of rehabilitation specialists who inspired Claire to become a physiotherapist, helping people to move with greater comfort, ease and enjoyment.

We are very aware of the importance of Eddie receiving timely treatment and rehabilitation and want to do all that we can to contribute towards making this happen.

Mark, Eddie and children like them are a daily reminder of the importance of using our bodies while we can, even when we dont feel like it. We have specifically chosen a walk that will push us to our limits and challenge us both physically and mentally.

But when it is cold and dark, and we are tired, we will be encouraged by Mark and Eddie to keep going. We are doing this challenge in memory of Mark and supporting Eddie, two inspirational boys.

Please support us to help Eddie by donating as much you are able.

You can donate by clicking here.

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Challenging trek will help Eddie's dream of walking become reality - In Your Area