A Warwick man and his son are taking on a night-time ‘beat the sunrise’ marathon to raise funds for an operation to help seven-year-old Lincoln walk.
Lincoln Hookey, 7, from Warwick, has cerebral palsy which restricts his mobility and personal independence. His condition causing stiffness, spasms and pain resulting in him being heavily reliant on support of aides and his wheelchair.
This life changing surgery, which is not funded by the NHS, could change Lincoln’s outlook, giving him a chance for mobility independence for life.
The money raised will pay for a month long stay in Liverpool, at Alder Hey Childrens hospital. The surgery itself and specialised post operative physiotherapy, as well as private rehabilitation physio once he is discharged.
Lincoln’s dad Simon, 46, a service management lead, brother William, 17, and team are taking on a night-time 26 mile ‘Warrior Walk for Lincoln’ on July 21 organised and supported by Ed Hargreaves of military training inspired Warrior Strong Fitness.
Previous fundraisers have included family friend Simon Pitchford completing a gruelling Beyond the Ultimate Highland Ultra 2023’, a self-sufficient 3-day coastal mountain race, over a total of 125km, with 5,000m of elevation, carrying a 14kg backpack, raising in excess of £5,000 for Lincoln.
Dad, Simon, 46 and Mum Sarah, 41, and Sarah’s childhood friend Verity Slatem ran the Warwick Two Castles 10k last on June 12, raising over £1,000 between them.
Lincoln’s Mum, Sarah said: ‘Lincoln’s mantra at the moment, is ‘I pick myself up, dust myself off and keep going. The show must go on’. It’s borrowed from a well-known kid’s programme, but the sentiment is right there.’
‘Lincoln missed so many firsts in his first five years and continues to do so. With the help of community, fundraising and this surgery he might be able to claim some of those back. He said after his surgery he is looking forward to all the things he can do, like riding a bike, playing football, and even carrying a glass of water without spilling it. He has tenacious stubborn streek which just makes him even more determined’.
‘This operation won’t just change his physical outlook, pain management, but his mental and social wellbeing too. The world is much more of an inclusive place than it used to be, but he still doesn’t get to do everything he so desperately wants to or should be able should he choose.’
The family has raised almost £11,000 thanks to donations and fundraising events.
Other forthcoming events include ‘dress down’ days at Lincolns former nursery King’s Meadow, Warwick.
Throughout the summer, donations from Friday night events at the Tap Yard, Church Farm Brewery, Warwick. ‘Big thanks to owner Jo Reynolds,’ Sarah added, ‘who has been a huge supporter of charities in the area for many years.’
Lincoln is a member of the Warwick 7th Beaver Colony. Together they have organised sponsored bounce on the 7th of July and a ‘bucket shake’ at Morrison’s Leamington Spa.
Sarah added: ‘The family are overwhelmed with the support we have received so far, he is a well-loved family member, classmate, and friend to many in the community. We hope we are on track to raise what Lincoln need by the autumn.’
Other events are in the pipeline, the family are also reaching out for corporate financial support, match funding opportunities as well donations for a raffle. They have made great strides so far, almost at the halfway point.
To donate to Lincoln’s fund or sponsor Simon and William on their Warrior Walk, visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/WarriorwalkforLincoln
Main fundraising page can be found here:
https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/give-7-year-old-lincoln-back-firsts/
For more info about Warrior Strong Fitness, or if you are interested in taking part in the event, visit www.warriorstrongfitness.co.uk
For more info about Church Farm Brewery, visit https://www.churchfarmbrewery.co.uk/
For more info about Kingsmeadow Nursery, visit: http://www.kingsmeadownursery.co.uk/