Phoenix is a three year old boy who is still learning how to walk, he will join his mummy Natalie on the last mile of the Brighton 10k run (on wheels). They are doing this to support Whoopsadaisy who help children with cerebral palsy and other motor disorders experience the benefits of Conductive Education, to enable them to lead a more independent life.

Whoopsadaisy deserve a standing ovation for what they do for families like ours. Our twin boys were born 34 weeks premature because Phoenix's heartbeat was slowing down, we braced ourselves for what was to come, but nothing could have prepared us for what happened to our boy. 

After spending thirteen weeks in intensive care, Phoenix was finally allowed home. We thought his struggle was over until differences between Phoenix and his twin brother started to become more evident. He still couldn't sit up or crawl when he was a year old. After endless doctor appointments and a brain scan, it took two years to get a diagnosis. 

We were told he has cerebral palsy. In Phoenix's case that means that his brain does not send a signal to his left leg to relax his muscles, so his leg muscles are always switched on making walking very difficult. It hit us like a tidal wave. 'My son might never walk!' is all I could think.

When you have a child with a condition you've never even heard of, it feels like you are swimming in a sea of information and it can often feel like you're drowning in it. That's why charity's like Whoopsadaisy are vital should life take an unexpected turn. They gave me hope, support with equipment, insight into cutting edge research and most of all amazing therapy and intervention with my son. 

Phoenix is currently in his own race against the clock to get stronger for his next assessment at Great Ormond Street in four months. He might be able to have an operation that could make him walk! The first assessment he had we were told that his core is too weak so he was sent away to build muscle, missing over a years crucial strength training because everything had to be closed down hasn't helped matters. 

Most of Whoopsadiasy's fundraising had to be stopped during the pandemic so they are missing out on vital funds to continue delivering the therapy we need so much right now. Whoopsadaisy receives no statutory funding and are entirely reliant on people like us. 

Please will you sponsor me as I take on this challenge for the future footsteps of children who can learn how to walk with the right intervention.The look on a child's face taking their first steps when they thought they never could is priceless. It will be emotional on the day knowing that I'm running for those that would give anything to be able to do just that. 

Every donation and every word of encouragement will push us closer to the finish line. 

Thank you ❤️