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Fundraising deadline to help son walk for first time

By Laura Nightingale
March 11, 2013

A MOTHER and father are racing to find £60,000 by May to pay for an operation to enable their five-year-old son to walk.

Harry Boyce, from Yateley, who goes to Frogmore Infant School, was born with cerebral palsy and is unable to sit, stand or walk independently.

Receiving physiotherapy four times a week, he uses a walking frame to get around and because he has difficulties moving his muscles, he struggles to eat, get dressed and play with his toys.

His parents, Roy Boyce and Agnes Kolodziejczyk discovered that a special operation exists in America and if they could afford the surgery it would change their son’s life forever.

Mr Boyce, of Rise Avenue, said: “At home he uses a little walking frame and at school he has a chair with wheels. We are still on a waiting list for a wheelchair. We want to help him get up on his feet.

“I know a couple of children who have had it and have walked independently after their operation but unfortunately it costs a lot of money.

“A little boy called Charlie Adams who lives around the corner from us had the operation in 2011.”

Charlie’s parents Louise and Mark, from Garnet Field, also launched a fundraising appeal to send their five-year-old abroad.

Harry was born nearly eight weeks prematurely and spent three weeks in the special care baby unit in hospital. He was diagnosed with Periventricular leukomalacia and cerebral palsy. The type of cerebral palsy he has affects the muscles in his legs, body and arms making them really stiff and hard to control. The operation needed is called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy and is carried out in Missouri.

The couple have been given a date in May for the operation. They are nearly half way towards their Helping Harry fundraising campaign target, but still need to find £35,000.

The operation would cost £45,000 but a further £10,000 to £15,000 is required for flights and accommodation.

Mr Boyce, who works at Heathrow Airport, has rallied 20 friends and colleagues to take part in a sponsored cycle ride from Cardiff to London on Sunday. Several other fundraising events are lined up between now and May.

To donate or for more information visit www.helpingharry.net.

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