Former Ireland international Andrew Patterson is teaching himself to walk again following life-changing surgery in America.

Andy is aiming to complete a five-kilometer walk at Victoria Park in May 2024, a year after his ground-breaking operation to help raise funds for the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.

Patterson, who was diagnosed with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia in 2013, was set to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair before he was notified of the world-leading operation to vastly improve mobility and his quality of life.

Living with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, Patterson is maintaining an intense rehab programme and trains relentlessly for his 5K challenge in May. Thanks to the operation, the dad of three now has a lifetime goal he didn’t think would be possible, walking his daughters down the aisle on their wedding days.

‘Patto’s May 5K’ will see Patterson joined on the walk on 5 May 2024 by eldest daughter Ella who helped raise funds for her dad’s operation by running two half-marathons.

In an exclusive interview with the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, Patterson, with the help of daughter Ella, bravely tells his story from diagnosis to operation and the long road of learning how to walk again.

The Professional Cricketers’ Trust provides vital support to past and present cricketers in England and Wales and their immediate families when in desperate need. The charity’s work is all encompassing, whether it be for unforeseen physical or mental needs.