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5 year old with cerebral palsy walks 15 miles
for his charity
5 year old Zac Owen from Frodsham, and
80 others, walked the Wirral Coastal Walk on 28 June 2015, in support of the
charity he attends, Stick ‘n' Step. Zac and his group of over 20 family and
friends contributing a significant amount to the £3,500 estimated running total.
£3,500 will ensure a child, like Zac, can attend Stick ‘n' Step for the next
year. Stick ‘n' Step equips children with cerebral palsy with all the tools
needed to lead independent lives.
In its 30th year, the Wirral Coastal Walk is organised by the Rotary Club of
North Wirral and is a 15 mile picturesque stroll from Seacombe Ferry Terminal to
Wirral Country Park at Thurstaston. Along with their families and friends, a
total of 10 children who attend Stick ‘n' Step participated in the walk in aid
of their charityl; 3 of whom were aged just 5. One of them was Aash Evans, whose
dad Mark won £50 for Stick ‘n' Step in a prize draw at the start line. This is
the 1st year that those who benefit from Stick ‘n' Step's services have
supported it at the Wirral Coastal Walk on this scale. They made up almost half
of its total fundraisers on the day.
Also taking part was trustee Karen Turner Riley and employee fundraiser Clare
Ashworth, who recruited 11 others, including her 3 year old son. John Lewis
store was the biggest single group supporting Stick ‘n' Step this year, with 22
of its staff getting involved. Wirral Chamber of Commerce sponsored the charity
by donating £500, which covered the cost of all branded T-shirts given out. 3 of
its employees also took part.
Commented David Owen, Zac's father, who also
walked the coast this weekend:-
"Zac and his twin sister Hannah were born in the USA in 2010. After moving
back to the UK, at 7 months old Zac was diagnosed with low muscle tone, global
development delay and hyper extensive joints. When he 1st attended Stick ‘n'
Step in 2013, Zac was unable to sit, crawl or even walk with a frame; he now
does all of these things. These days, Stick ‘n' Step is an integral part of
Zac's educational week. We love this charity and everything they have done to
help Zac and our family. We couldn't think of a more fitting way to raise funds
and say ‘thank you' than to let Zac show what he can now do. Walking 15 miles
was by far the biggest challenge of his life. Zac took every step in his stride;
he was inspirational. It was a very special and moving occasion for us all."
Commented Natasha Miner, community and events fundraising coordinator at Stick
‘n' Step:- "Our relationship with community fundraisers has grown
significantly over recent years. This is the 1st time we've been proactive in
recruiting walkers for us and the response was unprecedented. 80 is only our
official figure; many people walk for us at this event each year without our
knowing. It is only when their donations are made days or even weeks later that
we ever get a clear idea of the level of support. These independent fundraisers,
who often support us without any direct affiliation to our cause, are as much
appreciated as those who we know about. This year's Wirral Coastal Walk was
undoubtedly a huge success for us and the amount raised is significant."
Stick ‘n' Step provides free conductive education sessions, which are not
offered by the NHS, to help children with cerebral palsy learn vital life
skills, like walking and talking, through participating in group activities.
It's a place where they can make friends and grow in confidence, and where
parents have access to respite and support. Families travel each week from
across the North West and north Wales to the Stick ‘n' Step centre in Wallasey
to receive this life changing service. Stick ‘n' Step receives no government
funding and relies completely on fundraising to cover its annual running cost of
£350,000.
For more information about Stick ‘n' Step and how you can help visit:-
StickNStep.Org
or call:- 0151 638 0888.
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