Trike ride success for Jude
AGRANDMOTHER has thanked the public for their generosity in fundraising nearly £14,000 for her grandson’s life-changing operation.
Her six-year-old grandson Jude, who suffers from cerebral palsy, cycled the furthest he’s ever ridden on his trike from Ainsdale to Birkdale to raise money for an operation which will help him walk unaided.
Jude completed the trike ride on Saturday, November 26 and has so far raised £13,490 for an operation not available on the NHS which costs £21,000.
Jude’s grandmother Gill Warren, 62, said: “As he had never ridden further than Ainsdale village before we were a little anxious that he wouldn’t make it but were absolutely thrilled when on Saturday - along with his brother and a few friends - he cheerfully rode into a frosty Birkdale in a time of only one hour and 40 minutes.
“He and all his family would like to thank everyone who has supported and helped him in so many ways.
“Thanks to them he has already raised 26% of his target.”
Jude’s mum Lyndsey, who is a former primary school teacher said: “About 30 of his family and friends were there to see him off. He did absolutely amazing. We woke up on Saturday and outside was covered in frost so we didn’t know how far he was going to get but he managed to do it after a little break.
“I’d just like to thank everybody that’s supported us so far and I’m hopeful that we will meet the target.”
Jude, who attends Ainsdale St John’s Church of England Primary School was diagnosed at 16 months old with a neurological condition caused by a problem in the parts of the brain responsible for controlling muscles.
The severity of Jude’s condition means he is only able to walk with the use of a walking frame.
However, an operation which is not yet available on the NHS called selective dorsal rhizotomy has the potential to enable Jude to walk unaided.
In order for Jude to make a full recovery and get the most out of the operation his family is hoping to raise £40,000 overall.
This will cover the cost of physiotherapy as years of not using vital muscles means Jude will have to exercise and build up the strength in his legs.
If the funds can be raised in time, the provisional date of Jude’s operation would be Friday, January 13 in 2017.
To help Jude in his wish to walk you can donate to his Just Giving page.