Hi everyone,

Im doing a 3 hour zumbathon for a little boy called Charlie who has got Cerebral Palsy, the money raised will go towards investigate surgical procedures, equipment and therapies for Charlie. It would be great if you could sponser me so we can help this little boy. Please take a moment to read his story below.

Thanks Sarah xxxxx

Charlie, one of twins, was born 10 weeks early by Emergency C-Section, weighing just 2lbs, on the 24th August 2009. The doctors and nurses at St Peters and Frimley Park Hospital did a fantastic job with Charlie and he was able to come home after 7 weeks in the Special Care Unit.

We had been led to believe that you mustn't compare children, but when he was 8 months, it was obvious to us that Charlie's brother Bobby was achieiving milestones that Charlie was not close to achieving. He struggled to hold his head up and his hands were clenched tight the majority of the time. He could not roll over or sit unsupported. At the follow up appointment with the Paediatrician we were given the heartbreaking news that they suspected Charlie had cerebral palsy and this was later confirmed by an MRI scan at 12 months.

He has endured several surgical procedures. Both the boys had inguinal hernias and Charlie also had to have a hypospadius operation. Additionally he suffers from a squint and wears a patch over his left eye to strengthen his right and in the future will require corrective surgery for this.

Charlie is such a happy, sociable little boy and he is never happier than when he is being cuddled and read to. Bobby and Charlie have a very special bond. They share a room with cots beside each other. Regularly at night you can hear Bobby singing to Charlie, who is reduced to fits of laughter.

Charlie has to wear night shorts in bed. These have velcro running up the sides with a half plastic hoop round his crutch to ensure his hips are kept in a good position. He also wears a lycra suit to give him extra support round his core.

Although Charlie is now able to roll over, his left hand is still fisted much of the time which affects his ability to hold toys. Although not able to be left, Charlie is making real steps towards being able to sit unsupported. Although very vocal now, Charlie still suffers speech delay. He is seeing a dietician as he is having problems gaining weight. It is a real effort for him to chew and he quickly tires which significantly reduces the amount of food he consumes.

We have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity shown to Charlie so far and I am pleased to say that as a result of our fundraising activity, we have been able to buy him a TomCat Tiger Trike which he absolutely loves. It is a joy to hear the chuckling as you push him along. I have also enrolled on a course to learn the Bowen Technique to be able to treat Charlie at home and we have an upcoming assessment at Footsteps in Oxford for intensive physiotherapy.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now. Thank you for making the world of difference to our little man and please look at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlie-Grainger-Fundraiser/360345237318261 for more information about our fundraising.

Laura, Simon, Bobby & Charlie xx