LITTLE Archie Anderson cradles his newborn baby sister as his family race to raise £50,000 to fly him to the United States for his life-changing operation.
The cerebral palsy sufferer welcomed his sister Ava Mae into the world on Valentine’s Day when she weighed in at 5lb3oz at Ashington’s Wansbeck Hospital.
And Archie’s family are now hoping that when Ava Mae is old enough Archie will be able to run and walk alongside his little sister.
Today, less than a week since her daughter was born, his mother Marie, of Ashington, is now setting her sights on her next fundraising mission.
She is planning to abseil down the Malmaison with partner Cameron Bushell in May.
She said: “We are overjoyed at the new addition to the family and Archie loves his little sister. We are just getting used to the change in routine that comes with a new baby.
“I am a little bit tired and sore after having a Caesarean section, but I am incredibly lucky to have two such beautiful children.
“Our dream is that when Ava is old enough to run and walk then her big brother will be able to run and walk alongside her.
“One thing we will not lose sight of is the need to continue fundraising which is why me, Cameron, and Archie’s dad Allan are planning to do the abseil as it will help add a significant amount to the total. Every day someone is getting in touch with an offer of help or a donation. I received £500 from the Freemasons last week. I really can’t thank people enough.”
More than £30,000 has now been raised and more fundraising events are planned to reach the target of £50,000, which will allow the five-year-old to undergo surgery to strengthen the muscles in his legs.
A charity night at Ashington’s White House Club on Friday raised nearly £2,000 and the band Family Affair will be performing again at the Fell Em Doon, in Ashington, this Saturday.
One of the town’s most famous sons, Durham and England cricketer Steve Harmison will be lending his support. Marie said: “Steve and his family have been fantastic.
“To have his support means so much to us. People continue to be incredibly generous and kind.”
As well as the abseil on May 13, a whole host of activities have been arranged for the next few weeks including a sky dive at Peterlee, a bungee jump off Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge, a Northumberland Coastal Challenge Walk, a Coast to Coast back ride and a band night at the Tyne pub in Blyth on March 22 to name but a few.
Archie, a pupil at St Aidan’s First School, is only able to walk very short distances before he needs to be carried or transferred to his reinforced pushchair. If you want to join Archie’s mum on the abseil at the Malmaison you can log onto www.archiesdream.co.uk
Places for the abseil are strictly limited. Participants are being asked to raise a minimum of £100 towards Archie’s Dream.
To confirm your place please log on to www.archiesdream.co.uk , click on the contacts page and send your full name, address and telephone number and you will be sent details of the terms and conditions.
You can also follow Archie’s progress on Twitter @Archiesdream or Facebook. You can also donate and support events by clicking on Marie’s BT donate page courtesy of Bedlingtonshire Rotary Club.