I am running the VirginSport British 10km on 15th July, my target time is 50 minutes. I am pledging to contribute £5 for every 30 second increment over that 50 minute target that it takes me to complete the run. Please contribute what you can, please come up with other targets for me, just please support Ben and his family.

Ben was born at 28 weeks. At four days old, he underwent a life-saving operation. Whilst in hospital, the neonatal department discovered four cysts on his brain, placing him at high risk of cerebral palsy. By his first birthday, Ben wasn't reaching some milestones; despite making huge steps in other ways, his gross motor skills simply weren't what they should be. He was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

Ben needs a Mollii Suit, a pioneering treatment for people like Ben with cerebral palsy and other motor impairments to reduce pain and improve mobility – an upfront cost of over £4000, plus £1000 upgrades to the suit as Ben grows. In addition to this, when Ben turns three his parents will take him to the Peto Institute in Hungary, for conductive education – an intensive program of physio treatment he needs in order to lead a more independent life. This treatment, and the additional travel and living expenses during visits, is likely to cost thousands of pounds.

The NHS simply does not provide the level and type of treatment that will enable Ben to walk. Currently Ben's parents pay for private weekly physiotherapy – treatment that will continue for the rest of his life – but what is required at this crucial stage of his development will cost many thousands more. Ben's parents have put everything they have into this. But time really is of the essence – cerebral palsy is a condition where early intervention can be the difference between avoidable and painful operations, reliance on walkers, chairs and carers; and Ben living a happy, healthy and independent life.

Rob