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

We are raising awareness of Perthes disease because Toby was diagnosed with this condition in October 2024 and it has had a huge impact on the family and a very active young Toby. I am going to run the Dublin marathon for Toby in October as I know his love for running and sport in general. I am 40 later this year so it more be like a shuffle than a run but any donations welcome!

What is Perthes disease?

Perthes’ Disease is the shorter name for Legg-Calve-Perthes’ Disease. It is a condition that some children have that can mean their hips don’t move or work like other children’s do. It starts when the head of the femur bone (the “ball” in the “socket” of the hip joint) temporarily loses its blood supply. When blood stops flowing to the bone, the tissue starts to die. After a while, the blood flow returns, and the bone slowly repairs itself. But it may not have its original shape and size. It occurs unexpectedly and for unknown reasons. It affects 1 in 10,000 children worldwide and 4 out of 5 of the children affected are boys. You can find out more about Perthes disease here:

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

How has Perthes disease affected us?

Perthes disease has taken away Toby's ability to walk, run and play like he used to which has affected him physically and mentally. Shortly after diagnosis, Toby had major surgery to help secure his hip in place. Since then, through intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation, he has been working towards walking independently without a limp, pain or discomfort. The process of the disease, from necrosis to re-ossification, can take several years and Toby's mobility has been greatly affected. We hope that Toby will be able to live life to the full without restrictions once again in the future.

What Steps Charity Worldwide Does:

Steps Charity Worldwide is a vital lifeline for families facing childhood lower limb conditions like Perthes disease.

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.

The charity:

✔️ Provides essential information and resources to families navigating complex diagnoses.

✔️ Offers emotional support and community connections so no family feels alone.

✔️ Raises awareness of rare conditions like Perthes, ensuring children get the right support.

✔️ Campaigns for better medical care and early diagnosis.

How You Can Help:

🏃‍♂️ Donate – Every contribution goes directly to Steps Charity Worldwide to help families like Toby’s.

🏃‍♂️ Share – Help us spread awareness of Perthes disease and Steps Charity.

🏃‍♂️ Support – Cheer us on as we raise money for this incredible charity!

Thank you for reading our story and supporting us on this journey. It really means the world to us.