Story

"We don’t take walking for granted," Steps Charity Worldwide.

We are raising awareness of Perthes disease because our son Toby was diagnosed with this condition in October 2024 and it has had a huge impact on our lives. Myself, Colin, Uncle Paul and Uncle Marc are running the Great North Run and all funds will go to Steps Charity Worldwide because they support children and families living with this condition.

What is Perthes disease?

Perthes’ Disease affects the hip when blood flow to the bone is disrupted causing the bone to die and collapse. Over a period of time the bone will regrow and remodel but the process can take several years and mobility can be greatly affected. You can find out more about this rare condition here.

https://www.stepsworldwide.org/conditions/perthes/

How has Perthes disease affected us?

Toby has lost the ability to walk, run, jump and play like he used to which has affected him physically and mentally. He had major surgery last year to secure his hip in place and has since been on a rehab journey working towards walking independently without a limp and discomfort. Until his x-rays show significant and healthy signs of regrowth, he lives with mobility restrictions and does daily physiotherapy to rebuild strength. This has had a huge impact on his lifestyle and throughout this long and difficult road, Toby has shown incredible resilience coming to terms with this diagnosis and how it affects him.

Steps is the leading charity working for all those whose lives are affected by childhood lower limb conditions. Everything they do is about valuing and supporting individuals, families and carers affected by conditions which have an impact on the legs, hips or feet.