On track: Gil overcomes the odds
THE FATHER of a five-year-old has spoken of his son’s determination to take part in a Maccabi Fun Run despite being born with two club feet.
Gil Rustin was diagnosed with the condition while in the womb.
His father Charles explained: “We were living in Israel at the time, and we were recommended a doctor called Professor Mark Eidelman, who specialises in club foot at Rambam hospital in Haifa.”
Gil received immediate treatment from Dr Eidelman after birth.
Mr Rustin said: “Obviously, had Gil not been treated in the best way, he would have severe difficulties walking, let alone running.
“When we moved back to London, we found about the Maccabi run, and last year Gil said that he wanted to do one kilometre to raise money for Rambam’s child orthopaedics department.”
The hospital told the Rustins that they desperately needed an operating table.
Mr Rustin said: “Gil ran his 1km last year, the department got their operating table, and he immediately said that he wanted to do the 5km this year, which is what he did.”
At last month’s fun run Gil raised £4,000 towards his £11,200 target to replace equipment at the Israeli hospital. After last year’s run he donated around £5,000.
Gil, whose photograph appeared on the front page of the JC last month following the charity run, now hopes to complete the 10km course in 2018.
The Rustins hope Dr Eidelman will come to London and take part in the run alongside Gil.
Gil told the JC: “Mark Eidelman is my doctor. He checks my legs and helped me to walk. Now I run to raise money so Mark can help other children.”