Three men have bared all - well not quite all - and made a calendar to raise money to help pay for vital physiotherapy for a nine-year-old boy with cerebral palsy.
Cameron Oliver, who lives in Stevenage, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 13 months old, and the neurological condition severely affects his mobility and coordination.
Cameron, who is a pupil at Lonsdale School in Stevenage, needs regular intensive physiotherapy following bilateral hip reconstruction in August 2016.
His mum, Stephanie, said: “The major surgery rendered him off his feet for six months. His whole body shape changed, as well as his gait pattern.
“He has weekly private physiotherapy sessions, which cost about £4,000 a year, and it’s become quite apparent that he definitely needs it for at least the next year or so.”
Robbie Freeman, who is a childhood friend of Stephanie’s, has completed various fundraising challenges to help pay for specialist equipment and treatment for Cameron over the years, and has now come up with a unique calendar as his latest effort to support the family.
Personal trainer Robbie is a director of LeanerLife Fitness on Stevenage’s Whittle Way and, together with fellow directors Alex Pilborough and Nik Tribe, is featured in the fundraising calendar doing various exercises, sometimes stripped to the waist.
Robbie said: “Cameron is the sweetest little boy you will ever meet, and he’s always got a smile on his face.
“He’s going to need help for the rest of his life and Steph faces an ongoing battle to help him.
“We just wanted to do something to help.”
Stephanie said: “Robbie’s always been a huge support.” She added: “Cameron’s making huge improvements with the physiotherapy, but is nowhere near back to where he was before the surgery.
“If we were to stop the physiotherapy we would see a reduction in his functionality.” The calendar, which is currently at the printers, has already raised more than £500 from local businesses.
It will be on sale shortly for an expected £10. For more information, search for ‘LeanerLife Fitness’ on Facebook or visit www.leaner-life-fitness.co.uk
To make a direct donation towards Cameron’s treatment, visit www.gofundme.com/CameronO
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