‘Superman’ Alfie steps out in style
AFOUR-YEAR- OLD ‘Superman’ who only learned to walk a month ago has raised hundreds of pounds for his school in a sponsored walk.
Alfie Jak Hamer, who was born with Down’s Syndrome and epilepsy, joined pupils, staff and parents in their bid to raise £2 million for a new sports hall at Tor View Community Special School in Haslingden.
Accompanied by mum Michelle, 43, and dad Carl, the brave little boy managed to walk 10 metres all by himself around the school play- ground.
Tor View headteacher Andy Squire said the school is “so proud” of him.
Mr Squire added: “He is a wonderful character and an asset to our school. There was a massive round of applause when he started walking and he was delighted when he realised it was for him.”
Let go by his class teacher Jillian Vaughan, Alfie walked into the arms of his proud mum and dad who were waiting for him.
The threesome then did another 20 laps of the school playground together, Alfie walking some of the way with the help of his mum and dad and using his wheelchair for the rest.
Mr Squire said: “Alfie is very much the face of our walk initiative as he is the newest of our walkers. His skill is growing exponentially by the day.”
The walk - ‘Two Million Steps to our Sports Hall’, which took place from Whitworth to the school, on Clod Lane, and then around the school playground, was organised to raise funds for a more modern sports hall and an upgrade of the therapy pool and physiotherapy suite that Alfie uses to help build his muscle tone.
The determined youngster, who is learning to communicate through sign language, had open heart surgery at just three months old and was una- ble to walk until a month ago as he suffers from seizures which force him to sit down again if he tries to get up.
Alfie, of Windermere Avenue in Huncoat, was joined on the day by little Billy Cook, five, who walked seven miles from Bacup to the school with his mum, the school’s youngest walker to complete such a distance.
A Just Giving page set up for Alfie has raised £415 so far, with the school’s total standing at more than £2,000.
To donate to Alfie’s page, go to justgiving. com/fundraising/ michelle-hamer and to the school’s page, go to justgiving.com/friendsoftorview.