Support from Family Friends
Family friends James Marshall and David Cross, from england/harold-wood/”>Harold Wood, are participating in the Thames Path Challenge to raise funds for Alexander. James, who hails from Brentwood, has known Alexander’s family for 25 years and was present in Mallorca when Alexander was born. He stated, “I’ve known Alex from when he was just a few days old. David and I are delighted to be raising funds and awareness for him.”
Alexander’s Journey
Alexander’s mother, Alison, recalled the shock of his premature birth, saying, “It was quite a shock when Alex was born; we’d only arrived in Mallorca six hours earlier. We were eventually repatriated back to the UK after 9.5 weeks.” Alexander remained in the hospital for an additional 6.5 weeks before returning home.
At nine months, Alexander developed infantile spasms, a rare form of epilepsy that causes developmental delays. Alison shared, “We stayed in hospital for a month while we tried to gain control, and we did have a brief spell in remission, only for Alex to relapse again a couple of months later.
‘We’re taking on huge 100km challenge to help a young boy with disabilities’
Current Health Challenges
Today, Alexander is non-mobile, non-verbal, and PEG fed (through a tube). He was experiencing up to 300 spasms per day, but this is now better controlled. The main issue currently is dystonia, which restricts his limited movement, leading to a dislocated left hip.
Despite these challenges, Alexander is described as a “happy little boy” who enjoys being outdoors and loves hydrotherapy.
Community Support
Friends and family have already begun fundraising through events such as a 35-mile walk and a mud run. The focus is on raising money for an off-road wheelchair and therapies to alleviate Alexander’s dystonia.
The Thames Path Challenge, involving over 2,000 participants, will see walkers traverse from Putney Bridge to Henley over two days. Alison expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is a really difficult challenge and Matt and I are both grateful beyond words that James and David have chosen to do this for Alexander. We wish them the very best of luck.”
Charity Support
The family is receiving support from the children’s charity Tree of Hope, which assists families in fundraising for medical treatments and healthcare services not provided by the NHS. Becky Andrew, Tree of Hope’s chief executive, commented, “We wish Alexander and his family all the best with their fundraising activities and best of luck to James and David for the Thames Path Challenge. We are pleased to give them support in reaching their fundraising goals.”
Those wishing to donate to Alexander’s fund or sponsor James and David for the challenge can do so via the Tree of Hope website or on JustGiving.
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