A DISABLED youngster bravely overcame his anxiety to successfully complete the Great North Run’s (GNR) Mini 50.
Seven-year-old Teddy Berriman, who lives with a neuromuscular disorder, finished the 50-metre event with the aid of a walker to show how far he has come and to thank all those who have helped him.
The Butterknowle Primary School pupil is also set to star in H&M’s new Christmas television advert, his largest acting role yet.
Both are significant accomplishments for Teddy who was born 32 weeks premature and with spastic quadriplegia, which has left him unable to walk, stand or sit unaided without the use of a frame or wheelchair. He also suffers from three different types of epilepsy, autism and is partially sighted.
His mum, Nicola Short, said: “We are super proud of Teddy with his achievements both in the GNR and the advert. The GNR was a fantastic experience for him and us – there were not many dry eyes on that street at the time.
“All the kids that completed are true stars and warriors.
“Before we started Teddy was anxious saying ‘mum, but I can’t walk’. But once I explained ‘it’s in your walker with others similar to you’, he responded with ‘let’s do it’.”
“At the starting line he was so excited, on the way down he said ‘Mum, I’m doing it – look I’m walking’.
“I had to hold back the tears but his dad supporting from the side certainly was. Once we crossed the line he punched the air and said, ‘yes, I done it’.”
Filming of the advert took place over two months this summer and follows on from the youngster appearing in a CBeebies show and an M&S advertising campaign last year.
Ms Short said: “The advert was his first major acting role and, oh my, the pride I felt seeing him doing his role – being charming, happy, smiling and treasuring the moment. Him having the beaming smile of pride and achievement is heart melting.
“The experience was amazing. The crew, agents, just everyone – they make you feel like part of the team. We are truly grateful for every opportunity that comes Teddy’s way.”
She added that a recent change in medication has helped improve Teddy’s condition. She said: “We feel we are getting our son back by replacing a lot of his epilepsy medication with CBD oil from The Healing Cauldron, which was started by his father.
“He’s got more colour, awareness and interaction. His fantastic personality is returning. He still has his ongoing issues which will always be there, but we tackle them daily.”
Now the family is hosting an event at Hardwick Hall on Friday, October 11, to raise cash for the Tree of Hope charity that Teddy is associated with, as well as to pay for future equipment and therapy that he might need.
The event includes a red carpet reception drink on arrival, a two-course meal and live entertainment from Mamma Mia, Grease, Dirty Dancing and other film shows. Tickets cost £35 per person and doors open at 7pm. The event, which is being organised in conjunction with a team from Bishop Auckland Hospital, also features former TV presenter Paul Frost who will be speaking and holding auctions on the night. To book, contact Ms Short by email at nic_k_short@yahoo.co.uk.
