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We are aiming to walking the length of the Exe Valley Way from source to sea.  The route begins at Exe Head near Simonsbath on the top of Exmoor in Somerset.  It then follows the river for 60miles (100km) to the sea at Starcross on Devon's south coast.  The 'plan' is to complete the walk in 24hours, walking through the night on the shortest day of the year (20th/21st December 2020).  Despite following the river downstream we will have to climb over 1500m over the course of the 60miles (Ben Nevis is 1345m).

We're helping fundraising for life changing selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery (SDR), intensive physiotherapy and equipment for Eddie Weston, a boy at school with William and Rosie who has cerebral palsy. His family are aiming to raise £60,000 to ensure that he won't lose his ability to walk with his walking frame and tripod sticks.  SDR surgery is a treatment used to reduce spasticity (muscle stiffness) in cerebral palsy. It involves carefully cutting nerves in the lower spine that are linked to the affected muscles.  There are several reasons why Eddies family are seeking the option of private treatment.  

UPDATE - Eddie is now booked to have surgery in January, just 2 months away.  The surgery costs £34,500 and so far the family have raised just over £21,000.  Every £ we can raise gets them that bit closer and hopefully helps change Eddie's life. 

You can find out more about Eddie and his needs at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/eddie-westoneverystepcounts.

Claire’s family background plays a significant role in us wanting to support Eddie and his family.  Claire’s younger brother Mark, was born in 1985 with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and spent his life working with physiotherapists both in the UK and in Budapest learning to stand and walk.  It was Mark and his team of rehabilitation specialists who inspired Claire to become a physiotherapist, helping people to move with greater comfort, ease and enjoyment.  We are very aware of the importance of Eddie receiving timely treatment and rehabilitation and want to do all that we can to contribute towards making this happen.  Mark, Eddie and children like them are a daily reminder of the importance of using our bodies while we can, even when we don’t feel like it.  We have specifically chosen a walk that will push us to our limits and challenge us both physically and mentally. But when it is cold and dark and we are tired, we will be encouraged by Mark and Eddie to keep going.  We are doing this challenge in memory of Mark and to support Eddie, two inspirational boys.  Please support us to help Eddie by donating as much you are able.  

Thank you. 

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs. 

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for Eddie’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. 

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