Fundraisers use pedal power to help Hartlepool's Alfie walk
There were two days of festive fun in the town to help Alfie Smith closer to achieving his dream.
The nine-year-old needs to raise £50,000 by June if he is to be able to undergo an operation in Leeds known as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR).
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Hide AdThe life-changing surgery will give Alfie, who has cerebral palsy, the chance to be able to walk painfree and unaided for the first time in his life.
But, he needs to raise the money before his health deteriorates making him unsuitable for the surgery.
The weekend saw a host of supporters raising cash for the youngster, including team of cyclists, including shopping centre staff and representatives from Santander using pedal power to cycle the distance from Hartlepool to Leeds on static bikes.
The riders, including Hartlepool Mail reporters, Lisa Nightingale and Chris Cordner, covered 150 miles between them.
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Hide AdLisa said: “It was an amazing day, we got a huge amount of support from people. When Alfie saw everyone cycling his face was an absolute picture, he couldn’t believe everyone was doing this for him.”
To add to the fun in the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre there was a DJ, tombolas and visits from children’s characters, including Frozen’s Olaf.
All three of the town’s McDonalds’ joined in the fund-raising by holding fun activities in the restaurants including face painting.
Lisa said: “It turned out to be a bigger event than we expected so hopefully we will have raised a good amount of money.”
Anyone who would like to make a donation to Alfie’s fund can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpalfiewalk.