Boy with cerebral palsy to walk Snaefell for charity

An eight-year old boy with Cerebral Palsy will be taking on an incredible fundraising challenge to support a local charity - Rebecca House.

Dylan Walton, who attends Rebecca House,  has a rare condition which means he has Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, and recently had surgery to help ease the pain in his legs and improve the movement in his calves. 

Because of this, Dylan has been referred to Rebecca House for respite care since 2013, so he and his family could receive our specialist support.

Inspired by Tobias Weller, who completed a Marathon on his walker up and down his road for 70 days and also has Cerebral Palsy, Dylan has decided to take on the incredible challenge of climbing the Island’s highest peak and only mountain, Snaefell.

Thanks to the support he has received from Rebecca House and the many friends he has met through our service, Dylan hopes to give back and help raise funds towards our new playground which is fun, safe and specific to the needs of the children at Rebecca House.

The 620m summit is no easy feat, but for Dylan whose Cerebral Palsy effects his ability to walk, the first 414m will be completed around the NSC unaided, and the remaining 206m from The Bungalow with plenty of support, rest and reassurance from his Mum Lisa, Dad Jack and members of the civil defence. 

As well as many well-wishers and members of our Rebecca House family, Hospice Isle of Man and Rebecca House CEO, Anne Mills will be putting on her hiking boots and supporting Dylan every step of the way as he goes that extra mile with this incredible fundraising challenge.

Speaking with Dylan’s Mum Lisa recently she said: 'Rebecca House has not only helped Dylan come out of his shell, it’s helped him make some amazing friends and be the person he is today! He’s most looking forward to making it to the top and getting lots of new toys for him and his friends to play with, once Rebecca House reopens.'

Dylan aims to complete his challenge on Saturday 25th July, and has already taken on some training sessions with his Dad and Uncle to best prepare himself for the challenge ahead.

Thanks to the amazing generosity of our Manx public in supporting his fundraising efforts thus far, Dylan has been able to set his sights a little higher and aim for not only purchasing new toys for the children of Rebecca House, but creating a wonderful playground so that other children like Dylan can experience going on a swing and roundabout.

Speaking with Anne Mills recently she said:

'I am so proud of Dylan’s courage and kind-hearted approach in going that extra mile to help raise funds for Rebecca House, and cannot thank him enough for taking on this wonderful challenge. Dylan I have true admiration for your ambition and generosity, and look forward to walking with you and cheering you on as you help us to continue making a life-changing difference to other vulnerable children of our Island.'
 
If you would like to join the whole Island in supporting Dylan in his incredible challenge, you visit his JustGiving Page www.justgiving.com/dylansday and help the children of Rebecca House receive some wonderful news toys, and have a fantastic new playground.