A MOTHER and daughter duo are preparing to pedal ten miles in aid of a disabled Teesdale youngster.
Katy Hebdon and her five-year-old daughter, Sophie, who live in Cockfield, are doing a sponsored bike ride in aid of Teddy Berriman.
Six-year-old Teddy, who lives in Copley, was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder called spastic quadriplegia, a disabling form of spastic cerebral palsy, when he was just two years old.
The condition mainly affects his lower limbs meaning that he can’t walk, stand or sit unaided. He needs round-the-clock care and must use a frame or wheelchair to move around.
He also suffers from three different types of epilepsy, autism and is partially sighted.
His family and friends are trying to raise £14,000 to buy him an Innowalk, a pioneering motorised device to aid sitting, standing and moving, which is not available on the NHS.
Teddy has grown up with Sophie, whose idea it was to do something to help. Having learned to ride her own bike, she suggested to her mum that they go on a bike ride to help Teddy.
The pair will set off from the Co-op store, in Cockfield, on Saturday morning (August 11). Their cycle route will finish at the village’s recreational ground where a fun day, organised by Cockfield Christmas Light’s Committee, is being held on the afternoon from 1pm.
Teddy’s fund is now part of the registered charity Tree Of Hope.
This is a fundraising charity which supports children’s healthcare needs. Team Teddy will have their own stalls at the fun day too. This will include a Teddy for Teddy tombola, hook-a-duck, surprise bag stall, tuck shop and a bonus ball.
Teddy’s mum, Nicola Short, said: “Fundraising is going slowly but we have got around £4,000 so far.
“We think it is such a nice thing for Katy and Sophie to do. It is so nice that people think of Teddy.
“We would like to thank the Christmas Lights committee too for their support. It is nice for the whole community to pull together. We are thankful to the committee for letting us join their team,” she said.
To donate to Team Teddy visit http://www.treeofhope. org.uk/teddy-berriman. Donations can also be made by texting TRAB84 followed by the amount to 70070 (e.g. TRAB84 £10).
