Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News

Charity celebrates its fundraiser­s on the run

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STICK ‘n’ Step is celebratin­g after the dad of one of the children the Runcorn charity supports completed the Chester 10k and smashed his fundraisin­g target at the same time.

Martyn Gilmore, from Bebington, father of Alex, aged three, raised over £800 running the Chester 10k earlier this month.

Alex, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was nine months old, attends conductive education sessions at Stick ‘n’ Step’s Wallasey centre.

Alex is now three and, according to his dad, is walking, running and jumping, supported by Stick ‘n’ Step every step of the way.

Martyn says his son looks forward to attending the charity’s weekly sessions, which have had a huge impact on Alex’s life.

Martyn’s fundraisin­g link is here https://www.justgiving.com/page/ martyn-gilmore-1703799494­311

Another Stick ‘n’ Step dad, Rob Hayward, took part in the London Marathon. Rob’s daughter Sophie, aged 5, also attends Stick ‘n’ Step, going to weekly classes at the Runcorn centre.

Rob, who lives in Holmes Chapel, has raised a fantastic £1,350 so far. Rob was accompanie­d running the marathon by his colleague and friend Mark Sakar, from Stockton Heath, Warrington, who has raised over £1,180 so far.

Rob said: “My daughter Sophie attends Stick ‘n’ Step and I’ve seen first-hand how valuable their work is.

“They help and encourage her to develop new skills and she has lots of fun and meets new friends along the way.

“Stick ‘n’ Step don’t receive any government funding and rely on donations from supporters. I’m raising money so they can continue their amazing work helping children with cerebral palsy.”

Rob’s fundraisin­g link can be found here https://www.justgiving.com/ page/robert-hayward and Mark’s here https://www.justgiving.com/ page/mark-sarkar-1686844760­024.

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affects movement and coordinati­on. It is the most common motor disability in childhood with 1 in 400 babies estimated to be born every year in the UK with some form of it.

Stick ‘n’ Step provides free weekly conductive education sessions to children and young people with cerebral palsy up to the age of 25, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live more independen­t lives.

The charity relies on supporters and volunteers to help raise the £750,000 required to deliver its services to over 100 families each year at its Wallasey and Runcorn centres.

Find out more about the charity by visiting www.sticknstep.org.

 ?? ?? ● Martyn Gilmore, father of Alex, aged three, and his brother Russell with grandad following the Chester 10k
● Martyn Gilmore, father of Alex, aged three, and his brother Russell with grandad following the Chester 10k
 ?? ?? ● Rob Hayward of Holmes Chapel with daughter Sophie, aged 5
● Rob Hayward of Holmes Chapel with daughter Sophie, aged 5

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