Walking tall to help young Noah (From York Press)

Walking tall to help Noah Banks

8:27am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in News

FUNDRAISERS have helped boost the appeal for a Selby boy’s life-changing operation by £2,000.

Noah Banks, six, was born prematurely and later diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

He needs a walking frame to get around, but family and friends set up Noah’s Appeal to raise £22,000 for an operation which could allow him to walk unaided for the first time.

On Saturday, an 1980s-themed event was held at Kellington Manor, with about 80 guests helping to raise more than £700 for Noah’s Appeal.

Noah’s mother, Julie, said: “It went really, really well, it was a big hit.

“Everyone had a great time. Noah dressed as Adam Ant and gave a little speech thanking everyone for coming. Kellington Manor hosted it and they were absolutely brilliant.”

On Sunday, nine toddlers, their mothers and friends joined Noah to complete a 14-mile walk from Selby Abbey to York Minster.

They left at 10am and arrived at 5pm, and collected £1,300 in sponsorship and donations along the way.

Julie said: “We were there to meet them at the end. Raising more than £1,300 was absolutely fantastic. At seven hours, it certainly was a big walk for the youngsters.

“They were all buoyed up and a few were quite excited to meet Noah for the first time.”

For more information and to donate to Noah’s Appeal, phone Julie on 07795 347502, or visit noahsappeal@live.co.uk