Martin Nicholls
Stephen's page
Fundraising for Stick 'n' Step
Story
I will be raising funds for Stick n Step charity who support our 2 sons, Jack (8) and Oliver (7) by offering a weekly half day session of conductive education at their specialist centre. This is the only centre of its type in the North West.
Jack suffers with Cerebral Palsy (Right side spastic Hemiplegia) after being starved of oxygen during difficulties at birth and Oliver with Hypermobility which affects his fine motor skills and causes weak muscles. Without the help of Stick n Steps they would be much worse off. The centre assists us maximising family life and providing the boys with much needed treatment and skills to boost their ability to engage with friends in mainstream life and build their confidence. Their places cost around £7000 combined per year!!
Jack has had his motor skills, strength, stamina and confidence improved massively by the help of his conductors Kristi and Joel. In November 2013 he had a large operation to remove and re attach muscles in his leg to assist balance and enable him to live as full a life as possible. The recuperation was hugely assisted by Stick n Step and his recovery has been astonishing. Once told he wouldnt swim or be involved in sports with friends he can now swim over 400metres and has completed all his stage swimming badges. He has now been selected to play for Cerebral Palsy United in Manchester and recently played his first match for him.
Oliver has been strengthened hugely by the care provided and his confidence improves all the time. He loves to attend sessions and his ability in school and other activities has improved hugely in the last 12 months especially.
As many will know i ran the Marathon 2 years a go in 2013. Sadly i fell ill 10 days prior to it and was hospitalised over 5 days. This was after fitting twice. As this charity is so good i had to try and run to justofy everyones kind donations. I completed the marathon in 5 hours. As i was in and out of hospital over the next 18 months i could not exercise at all and gained over 4 stone in weight. I felt horrific. As i finally discovered i had a serious infection which had then damaged by bowel nerves i could start to manage the condition. I started to run again in July 2015 and have managed to get myself completely off medication and lose over 4 stone in weight again. I feel as fit and strong as i ever have.
I have some demons to answer after the pain i felt in April 2013 and will be completing the marathon again to start a new chapter in my life.
I hope to raise over £2000 for Stick n Step. (Including gift aid)
Please dig deep to help such a wonderful cause.
I will update on my progress as we go......
See video of centre and children below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjKlZ7uWiEgThanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
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