Story
On Saturday 23rd July we have two teams of runners willing to do a 24 hour relay race at Catton Park. The Thunder Run is a 10k circuit and we expect our runners to do at least 3 laps over 24 hours come rain or shine. Alfred will be there cheering them on but most importantly he will see other people working very hard like he does on a daily basis. It will be a team effort and quite the challenge for everyone taking part.
We are aiming to get Alfred to America twice this year for a treatment that isn’t available in the UK, yet. We went to Boston, USA, for the first time in October 2021 for Alfred’s first 3-week treatment there and more recently in May 2022. His physical progress has been incredible and since returning in May, Alfred, has now learnt to get himself up off the floor which he couldn’t do before. As long as Alfred wants to do these types of intensive treatments, we will continue to try and make it happen. Not only does it give him the opportunity to achieve his dream of walking on his own but it also strengthens his muscles to avoid surgeries later in life for muscle contractors and deformities.
Alfred has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, caused by a brain injury at birth, but he is just like most other 6 year olds, except his muscles need a lot more input. He is at a mainstream primary school and drives a powered wheelchair to get around and keep up with his
friends on the playground. He loves walking in his walking frame and pretending to be a superhero at all times. He wants to be able to move around on his own and do things independently but this dream requires weeks and weeks of rehabilitation treatment. Treatment that costs over £14,000 for a 3-week block.
£7020 for the NAPA Centre
£3985 for flights and car hire
£3400 for 3 weeks accommodation
Our goal in 2020 was to do 3 x 3-week intensives before Alfred started school but the pandemic put a stop to that. This year we have been lucky enough to be offered 2x 3-week treatment blocks that work wonders for our son at the world renowned, NAPA Centre in Boston USA. However, this means we need to raise another £14,000 to be able to go in October. Raising a child with physical disabilities is hard but the joy Alfred brings to everyone around him is beyond amazing. He is a handsome, hardworking, happy boy with such a desire to experience everything he possibly can in life. Helping him get as strong as possible from such a young age is our best way of stopping him feeling limited and confined to his wheelchair.
(1) Team Alfred | Facebook
Team Alfred (@teamalfred2017) • Instagram photos and videos