Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Zak Hall is 13 years old. But he's far from your ordinary, typical teenager.

The first thing you should know about Zak is he loves life. So much so that when doctors predicted he'd only live to 12 years, HE decided he'd squeeze a bit more in, and have lots of fun while doing it.

When Zak was born in 2007, he was starved of oxygen. He went without air for around an hour. The resulting brain damage caused him to later be diagnosed with severe Cerebral Palsy. Since then he has gained what one consultant poetically named "a constellation of diagnoses", including Epilepsy, which does not respond to medication. And the most recent, Crohn's Disease.

A few years ago, at a routine x-ray, the doctors noticed he had the very beginnings of a curve in his spine. It was so mild I (his Mum, Mags) could hardly see it. It had been caused by his muscles (which don't work like yours and mine) pulling his body out of shape.

In the next few years that tiny curve got bigger and bigger. It got so big that now, you can't miss it. It has twisted his whole body around and into a 'C' shape. It causes him lots of discomfort and is beginning to put pressure on his tummy and his lungs.

That tiny curve is now an 80 degree thoracolumbar scoliosis.

About 4 years ago, just as Zaks spine was starting to cause him lots of problems, I found STRONGBONES CHILDREN'S CHARITABLE TRUST...and WOW what a whirlwind.

In Strongbones I have found my Ohana. I've never met a more loving bunch of craziness in my life. We are from every walk of life, but all with a common goal...letting our kids be kids and not letting their silly bones change who they are.

"Strongbones Children’s Charitable Trust is a national registered charity set up to provide emotional and practical support, increase inclusion by providing disability equipment and educational opportunities including workshops and facilities. We also provide support for parents and carers, access to sports and activities and family interaction days for the benefit of children and young people under the age of twenty one who have complex needs and also a diagnosis of a  serious muscular skeletal condition such as scoliosis, bone cancer, scoliosis or spina bifida".

Over just 4 short years Strongbones has given us SO much. Not just the chance to be part of the best charity there is, but also:
An MASSIVE annual party
Christmas gifts
SOOOO many goodies
Sensory equipment
An absolutely AMAZING sensory pod
Stuff to get stuck in to during lockdown
Mobile hoists
Specially adapted seating
Competitions
Laughter
Halloween gifts
Adventure holidays
So many pressies
Belly laughs
Friendship
Support
Advice
Did I mention laughing so hard a bit of wee wee comes out...

And wow, that is just SOME of what they do.

So PLEASE help me in giving just a little bit back.
My promise to YOU, is what ever we make through this justgiving page...I WILL DOUBLE IT. So please GIVE GIVE GIVE!!!!!

#strongbonesfamily  #strongbonessuperheroes  

**As we are still in the midst of the COVID LOCKDOWN, Zak is still shielding, and will be until the 1st of August. So Zaks challenge will be done at home, around the garden.
He will be covering a whole Kilometer during his challenge, with some fun along the way. The 'fun' will be revealed on the day, but it will be 'SUPER'b… As for Alli and myself, well, we are the ball busters, Zaks stupid sidekicks. We'll be pushing him, literally and figuratively, all the way. Afterall, no hero is complete without a trusted sidekick, are they.