Charlie was born prematurely after a difficult pregnancy, he tried to arrive at 30 weeks gestation but he held on until 35 weeks.

As a result, he suffered brain damage called Peri-Ventricular Leukomylasia (PVL) and subsequently spastic diplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Charlie is a very happy, bright and gregarious 6 year old child but his CP means he uses a Pacer walker and braces on his feet and ankles to help him get around independently

Charlie has already bravely undergone a number of procedures including a MRI under anaesthetic, a bilateral recession (eye surgery), a number of Botox operations and tendon releases all under GA in his spastic legs.

Spasticity is Charlie's big problem- a bit like constant cramp it pulls and tightens his muscles making them unable to relax, it can be painful and is very tiring. He undergoes daily physiotherapy (which Charlies one to one at school and ourselves have to perform) and previously has had to take medication to help control his spasticity. He copes remarkably with all his treatments and this is testament to his character and spirit.

We really want to help Charlie contiue to gain his independance, he has already started to take independant steps through lots of hard work and his determination.

We hope we can provide as much physiotherapy as we can to help develop his strength and conditioning.

NHS provision is only quite basic with regards to physiotherapy. Charlie has an hour private physio session every 2 weeks which costs around £60. Physiotherapy will be imporant and continuous throughout Charlies life and has been from the start.

On Sunday the 6th May 2018 I ( Charlies mum ) will be running North Lincolnshire Half Marathon to help raise funds for Charlies Challenge. The money raised will go towards Charlies therapy. Any donations would be amazing to help Charlie. Thank you so much again for reading.

Louise Smith ( Charlies mum )