WIRRAL COASTAL WALK 2011: Bromborough family walking to raise awareness of rare condition which has left son, 8, in a wheelchair

Mar 9 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

“Paddy was born this way so he doesn’t know anything different and he copes with it

“He goes to mainstream school and although he is the only child in a wheelchair he is very popular and sociable and his schoolmates are quite protective over him.”

Midwife Kerry, who has two older sons aged 18 and 26, found out Paddy had arthrogryposis after a scan when 20 weeks pregnant.

She said: “It was probably the worst experience I’ve ever had.

“But eight years down the line he’s changed us as a family for the better and changed how we think about disabilities.”

The Rooneys have been involved with TAG since Paddy was born.

“It has allowed Paddy to meet and see other kids and adults who are the same as him,” Kerry says.

Kerry’s husband Mark is a regular Coastal Walker but she took part for the first time last year.

Friends, colleagues and other family members joined them in the fundraising push for TAG.

She said: “We raised a considerable sum of money and it was heartening to see evidence of real generosity.”

For more information about TAG visit www.taguk.org.uk or call 0800 028 4447. Donations can be sent to The Arthrogryposis Group, PO Box 5336, Stourport-on-Severn DY13 3BE.

Wirral News is proud to support the Wirral Coastal Walk, which is organised by North Wirral Rotary Club, and we want to feature walkers and charities taking part.

E-mail lorna.hughes@liverpool.com or call 239 5907 – please note that unfortunately we’re unable to send out sponsorship forms.