Debbie joins the race to help schoolboy Sam

Karen and Stephen Bottomley must raise £35,000 if their son Sam is to one day be able to walk independently.

And when Debbie Sayers heard about their appeal, she joined the effort to help them reach their total.

Next weekend she will take part in the Liversedge Half Marathon in aid of the appeal.

Mrs Sayers, 46, said: “Karen and I used to work together and I heard about the appeal through Facebook.

“I’d said I would try the Liversedge Half Marathon and thought if I get some sponsorship, all the better.”

Six-year-old Sam, of Calder Road, Lower Hopton, has cerebral palsy.

It has left the muscles in his legs so tight that he cannot stand without support.

But there is an operation – not available on the NHS – that would allow him to walk.

The appeal has raised more than £2,000 in its first month.

Mrs Sayers, of Lees Hall Road, Thornhill Lees, hopes to add to that total.

She said: “It’s a hard course, but I know I can do the distance and I’m looking forward to it really.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/samswishtowalk to give sponsorship.