My name is Ruairidh and I am a Cub in the 44th Scout Group. This year for my Silver Award I need to set myself a personal challenge and I am raising money for my cousin Harris, who has Cerebral Palsy. With the help of my Mum and Dad, I will walk and/or run 1 mile per day, everyday in August. My hope is that I can raise enough money to go towards a specialised trike for Harris and supporting therapies.

In January 2022 my cousin Harris was born 10 weeks early. He spent the first 9 weeks of his life in Kirkcaldy Neonatal Intensive Care unit where he had a very difficult start. Harris was a fighter from day one needing breathing support for the first several weeks of his life. As Harris got stronger his Mum and Dad prepared to take him home after 9 weeks in NICU. Due to his premature birth and health struggles in his early weeks, Harris was found to have bilateral cystic PVL (peri ventricular leukomalacia). PVL is a brain injury to the white matter of the brain, in Harris’ case causing cysts to form . The week before Harris’ first Christmas we received the devestating news that Harris likely had Cerebral Palsy. This was later confirmed just a week before his first birthday on the 18th of January 2023.

Early interventions and therapies are crucial to children like Harris to give them the best opportunity for the reaching their full potential. Having the opportunity to take part in as much therapy as possible and having the right equipment to support this helps the brain ‘rewire’ itself, creating new pathways and ultimately giving children the best chance to make progress with their abilities.

You can follow Harris on his journey, if you don’t already, follow this little warrior instagram: harris_the_hero25

Any donation you can make is hugely appreciated and means the world to Harris, his parents and all our family. Thank you for your support; from Ruairidh