The family of a toddler who struggles to walk after suffering from brain complications when he was born 13 weeks premature are holding a circus fundraising event next month in an effort to raise the funds needed for life-changing surgery in America.
Two-year-old Henry Cox was born more than three months early and suffered from Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) as a result. PVL is damage and softening of the white matter within the brain near the cerebral ventricles and is linked to major neurodevelopmental impairments.
The fundraising event, which is part of the Henry’s Wish to Walk campaign, will take place on Sunday, July 21 at Club Langley on Hawksbrook Lane.
Henry’s mother, Katie Cox, told News in Beckenham: “Henry has Cerebral Palsy and this affects his ability to do many of the things we take for granted, like sitting, walking or simply playing independently. In spite of all of his challenges he is the happiest, most determined little boy, bursting with personality and a fighter from the day he was born.”
The family, who live in Beckenham, are hoping to raise £80,000 for the specialist Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) treatment in America.
As well as the Big Top Circus Show, the family fun day will also include a bouncy castle, face painting, outdoor bar and food, a variety of stalls and more.
To book your ticket (£9 per person), email henryswishtowalk@gmail.com. To donate to Henry’s cause visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/just4children/henryswishtowalk.