Brave Joes big challenge to raise money for friend

A disabled toddler is going to undertake a trek around Snodland to kickstart a 30,000 fundraising campaign to help his best friend walk.

Three-year-old Joe Scudder, of Roman Road, has cerebral palsy which makes his leg and arm muscles tighter than normal, particularly on the left of his body.

He wants to help his friend Jamie Maynard, who is also three and has more severe symptoms.

Jamie (left) and Joe, who are both three, met at a special physio class for children with cerebral palsey. Picture: Martin Apps

Jamie, who lives just around the corner in Bingley Close, relies on a wheelchair to get around, or a walking frame with wheels for short distances.

Joe often talks about Jamie. He said he wanted to help and suggested the sponsored walk. They dont moan or complain and they approach every challenge with huge smiles -Elizabeth Scudder, Joe's mum

It is hoped this will change later this year when he has an operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital that will give him the best chance of walking unaided.

Known as a selective dorsal rhizotomy, it will see surgeons cut nerves in his lower spine to make his muscles more rigid.

The NHS will fund some of the rehabilitation, but his family believes recovery could take up to three years and is trying to raise 30,000 to fund the treatment Jamie will need afterwards.

Joe will walk one mile around Snodland on Monday, May 4.

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Brave Joes big challenge to raise money for friend