Helston 10-year-old set to take on walking challenge for charity

You might remember 10-year-old who last year completed laps of his garden, Freddie Gwilliams from Helston is set to go again this year raising money for Children's Hospice South West.

Freddie has a complex neurodevelopment syndrome so is unable to talk or walk, but still plans to get his shoes on to do the 'Incredible Hike' challenge, 30 days of walking in his frame on the 30th anniversary of Children's Hospice South West.

Freddie became unwell after last year's walk and spent a lot of time in Bristol Children's Hospital but he made an amazing recovery, "he is doing better than anyone could have imagined," mum Hayley said.

She continued:

"He's working alongside the children's hospice South West this May to help them raise much-needed funds. He's such a tough cookie and has come such a long way since being so poorly last year.

"One of his favourite things to do is to be in his walking frame, just the sight of it makes his eyes light up. His frame gives him a sense of freedom, a chance to escape his wheelchair and get a glimpse at what life is like to be able to move around more freely. His little legs love walking around exploring and he especially loves kicking a football.

"Freddie will be taking the challenge at his own pace. The aim is to begin his walk on Saturday 1st May and do 30 days of walking in total, but it may not be consecutive days. He sadly lives a life where his healthy can very quickly deteriorate and can become very unwell very quickly. But I can guarantee if he's well he will want his shoes on and will give it his best shot."

The fundraiser has an initial target of £1,000, and last year Freddie raised well over £2,000 for charity.

Hayley added:

"Any donations will be so appreciated. The hospice relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions and right now when the UK is going through such an awful pandemic so many fundraisers have been cancelled or postponed. It is vital thatthey still maintain the levels of fundraising income to ensure that they can continue tobe there for children and families, both now and into the future."

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