Bootcamp members on track to raise £2,000 to help Northampton boy Harry walk

Six-year-old Harry Restall, of Duston, was diagnosed with diplegic cerebral palsy when he was a baby and his only hope of walking was undergoing Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery and extensive physiotherapy.

It was announced last year, after his parents worked hard to raise £30,000 for private surgery, that Harry would instead get his operation on the NHS at Great Ormond Street Hospital following a long period of uncertainty.

In October 2019, the young Northampton Saints' fan had his long-awaited operation, which has eliminated all the muscle tightness in his legs, which will allow him to try and walk.

The money raised through crowdfunding and fun days will now instead fund private intensive physiotherapy, which the youngster needs for up to three years, but therapy is expensive.

Now, a group of exercise pals - who came across Harry's donation box by chance while eating out at La Terraza Tapas Bar in Upton - have pledged to raise £2,000 for the youngster by taking part in a Wolf Run next month.

Simon Simfield, who has been a member of Fitter Body Men Bootcamp (over 35 group) for four years, has set up a Just Giving page for Harry where so far £1,650 has been raised.

He said: "It was more by chance that we heard about Harry. We went to the tapas restaurant in Upton and the lady, Kellie, said would you like to give any money to Harry? We had just entered the 10k Wolf Run and I said 'why don't we raise some money for Harry through the run'?

"I spoke to Harry’s mum Jenny and set up the Just Giving page and it went from there. We have raised about £1,600 at the moment.

"Jenny, was a bit overwhelmed to be honest, she was almost in tears bless her. We realised how grateful she was. I think whatever we raised, even if it was just £100 I think she would have been grateful for it. But we are trying to raise £2,000 and if we can get that it will be fantastic. She's a lovely woman."

The team of 16 men, which is being led by bootcamp boss Stuart Scott, were hoping to raise £1,500 before the race on April 4 but they hit their target in just five days.

"It was phenomanal support," Simon added. "It all happened a bit quick, so I said 'let's up the anti and get some more money for Harry."

Jenny Restall said: "Kellie the owner of La Terraza has kindly placed a charity bucket at her restaurant. It was through her that Simon and his friends from Fitter Body Men noticed Harry's charity cause where they wanted to help raise some money for him.

"We couldn't believe they have stuck to their word and are going to do this extremely challenging fundraiser. Especially when they are going to be soaked in ice baths averaging - 6c throughout the course.

"We are completely blown over by the guys compassion and generosity. They have met Harry at the gym where they all love him. The feeling was mutual. All funds raised will help to pay for a 12 month course at the movement centre in Shropshire to help Harry get onto his feet and walk independently."