I am doing this zumbathon for little Charlie as some of his story is so close to my own. Charlie Grainger, is one of twins, and born by Emergency C section 10 weeks early weighing just 2lbs, reading his story of all the things his parents missed out on, not being able to touch them, the worry of them not coming home, the every day battle for them to just get them that little bit stronger, Charlie is also the same age as my sons.

Any body that knows me and my twin boys, knows of the struggle we endured whilst posted in Germany, my boys were born at 32weeks by emergany C Section and spent two months in intensive care on the 'not coming home list' the not being able to touch our beautiful boys or hold them and the complete heart break of 'what if they don't pull through, the operation, and hoping at a day old his tiny body would make it through, the desperation of wanting to scoop them up in your arms and make them better, protect them, the helplessness. The continous journey still of all the complications that very prem babies have. we were also blessed that our little miricle babies made it, even though they still have small hurdles to cross, they have come so far.

However little Charlie still needs help, he has been diagnosed with Cerebral palsy.

First i would like to tell you a little about this gorgeous boy, he is a happy, sociable little boy and he is never happier than when he is being cuddled and read to. His favourite four letter word is 'book'. Bobby and Charlie have a special bond. They share a room, with cots side by side, regulary at night their parents can hear Bobby singing to Charlie, who is reduced to fits of laughter.

Charlie has to wear night shorts in bed, these have velcro running up the sides with a half plastic hoop round his crutch to ensure his hips are kept in a good position. He also has to wear a lycra suit to give him extra support around his core. He has been provided with a standing frame and will shortly be receiving a pushchair which will provid him with the extra support he requires.

Although Charlie is now able to roll over,his left hand is still fisted much of the time which affects his ability to hold toys. It is great to say that Charlie is making great steps to sit unsupported although he still struggles to lift his head in this position. Charlie is very vocal now, but still suffers from speech delay, he is seeing a dietician as he is having problems gaining weight, it is a real effort for him to chew and he tires quickly, reducing the intake of food he consumes.

This fund raising activity will enable his parents to investigate surgical procedures, equipment and therapies in order for Charlie to reach his maximum potential. Monies so far have allowed his parents to go on a course to learn 'Bowen Technique' to be able to treat Charlie at home on a daily basis. They have also been able to buy a 'Tomcat Tiger Trike', which is not only brilliant for Charlies feelings of inclusion, but it also acts a physiotherapy.

Monies that are raised will also be going towards either the selective Dorsal Rhizothomy surgary in America, although the cost of this is quite extensive at around £40,000, specialist equipment such as a Bakare bed, a supportive swing for the garden, intensive physiotherapy and other therapy. They are so keen to put Charlie on a course of Hippotherapy, and this literally means "therapy on a horse", this therapy involves sitting on a walking horse in a variety of positions while adapting to the horses movements, and working on co-ordination and postural responses and increases the base area of support. On behalf of Bobby and Charlies parents and myself, thank you to everyone who donates.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE LOOK AT CHARLIES FACEBOOK PAGE www.facebook.com/pages/Charlie-Grainger-Fundraiser/360345237318261

Thank you for taking the time to read this, every small pennie will make a massive difference to this little mans life!! THANK YOU SO MUCH xxxx