HI EVERYONE

I will be taking part in the ELY 115 Squadron Duathlon on Sunday 23rd March 2025, and I would really appreciate it if you would help support me in raising money for a charity which is now very close to my heart. The charity is called Erb’s Palsy Group UK. Many people have never heard of this condition, nor the charity. This charity helps to support children and their families, offering advice, guidance, information and support during a difficult journey.

WHAT IS ERB’S PALSY?

Erb’s palsy is a condition, due to an injury at birth, that can affect 1 or all of the 5 primary nerves that supply the movement and feeling to an arm. Each baby’s injury is individual. The paralysis can be partial or complete and the damage to each nerve can range from bruising to tearing. Some babies recover on their own, however some may require specialist intervention. For many people this is a life-long disability which can affect the mobility and function of their arm, and impact upon their daily life.

WHY AM I RAISING MONEY FOR THIS CHARITY?

On the 30th of October 2024 I became a dad again to our beautiful little boy, Louie. Due to birth injury, Louie was born with right arm Erb’s and had complete paralysis of his right arm and limited movement to his hand and wrist. Louie has been attending regular Physiotherapy appointments since he was 2 weeks old and unfortunately showed limited progress especially with elbow flex. At 12 weeks old Louie was referred to Leeds, to the Erb’s Palsy specialists, where he was observed to see what movement he did/didn’t have. It was decided that to give the Louie his best chance in the future surgery would be the best option.

This amazing little boy has now been left with a lifelong disability due to birth trauma. As I write this, myself and Ellen are currently sat beside Louie after an 8 hour surgery to repair 3 nerves which were damaged. To repair the damaged nerves they use good non motor reliant nerves from the back of Louie’s legs and one from his arm to graft the damaged nerves. We really hope that, with the surgery that he has undergone, Louie will regain good movement in his right arm so that the things we take for granted (eating, writing, getting dressed) are possible. At the moment we are unsure what Louie’s recovery looks like but we have everything crossed.

Please help support me, to ensure the amazing Erb’s Palsy UK charity can continue to support other families going through this and to continue to provide training for health care professionals to stop these injuries occurring.

Every penny helps, and I have no idea how Louie’s recovery would have looked would be without this charity!