A schoolboy from Stonehouse is so determined to raise money for a Lanarkshire charity that he will take part in this year’s Kiltwalk despite being on crutches.
Rhys Murray, 11, sustained a cut to his leg and required surgery to his knee.
The youngster was told by doctors to keep his weight off the leg for at least six weeks.
But you can’t keep a good boy down and now Rhys is to set off on a Wee Wander to raise money for the Wishaw-based Les Hoey MBE DreamMaker Foundation.
The P7 Newfield Primary pupil knows all about the charity’s fantastic work as his neighbour is DreamMaker Coordinator Angela Cook.
Rhys will be joined on the walk by his seven-year-old sister Charlotte, while his parents Davie and Laura will tag along pushing the youngster’s wheelchair in case he requires a rest at any point.
Laura said: “Rhys and Charlotte both signed up for it around January, before he hurt himself. He is on crutches after falling while out playing with his friends, and he needed an operation on it.
“He wasn’t allowed to weight-bear on it for six weeks and it’s only two weeks ago that he was allowed to put weight on it again.
“But he was determined he was still going to do the Kiltwalk. He will have his crutches but I will have his wheelchair there for him as well, in case he needs a wee rest.”
The siblings will help each other along the way as they’re determined to do their bit to help other children by raising money for the DreamMaker Foundation.
They’ve also previously been bucket collecting in the past at Motherwell’s football ground.
“Rhys and Charlotte have seen all the different things that the DreamMaker Foundation does and have been along to some of the wee parties, as Angela’s invited them along," Laura continued.
“They see a lot of the things that Angela does. It’s amazing what the charity does and Rhys and Charlotte just want to help the children,” Laura added. “They’ve been round all the neighbours with their sponsor sheets.”
“The Wee Wander is three miles, I signed them up because I thought it was more appropriate for Charlotte. So, it’s probably just as well they’re doing that one. He’d have been alright doing the bigger one but after injuring himself I might have had to push him 12 miles in a wheelchair,” Laura joked.
Angela Cook is delighted that Rhys is still willing to take part in the walk.
She said: “They’re always doing wee things to help the charity. Rhys is still on crutches but is determined he is going to do the walk for us.
“It’s brilliant, and he will be making a difference to the brave children and helping us put a smile on their faces.”
The Kiltwalk takes place on Sunday, April 30.
You can help the Lanarkshire charity by purchasing a raffle ticket and the chance of winning entry to their DreamMaker Foundation Family Raceday at Hamilton Park Racecourse on Sunday, May 7.
One lucky winner will receive a Family Ticket for the race day which features a host of free children’s activities, including giant inflatables, bungee trampolines, human table football, laser tag, face painting and much more.
The draw will take place on Monday, May 1 live on the charity’s Facebook page. The winner will be contacted by telephone so please leave a number with your payment information.
Raffle tickets are priced at £2 and available at: https://dreammakerstore.com/products/one-entry-to-our-hamilton-park-family-raceday-raffle
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