By LIZ GRIFFITHS [email protected]
Jake Storr, a young boy suffering from cerebral palsy who is a regular visitor to the Algarve, has been given a date for his life-changing operation in the US, which will advance his ability to walk.
The Storr family has been told by St Louis Hospital that the operation will take place on March 8 and said that they are positive that Jake will walk independently as long as the operation is followed with a course of physiotherapy.
Jake’s grandmother Jan Burgess told the Algarve Resident: “We as a family feel the sooner this is done the better. Jake needs to be over there for four weeks to have daily physiotherapy, although he will be in hospital for only one week if he recovers well. We are so excited. This is his only chance – it really is a life-changing experience.”
Jake’s friends and family have been fundraising tirelessly to raise the money for the operation, which can only be done in the US.
The operation will cost 40,000 pounds sterling and as the date is set, it means fundraising must continue.
Colina Verde Golf and Country Club in Moncarapacho has organised a charity golf fundraising event in the New Year with all funds raised going towards the operation.
The golf course is offering golfers the chance to play nine holes of golf for 10 euros and 18 holes of golf for 20 euros.
The reduced green fee offer will commence from January 1 until February 28, 2010.
Facebook support
Jake also has a Facebook group called Support Jake Walking where people can become members and there is a link to the Paypal account especially set up for donations towards Jake’s operation.
“If all the money is not raised in time, we will have to borrow and continue to raise the rest on our return, but we cannot let this chance slip by,” Jan Burgess said.
“Imagine telling Jake when he is older that we could not raise enough money to allow him to walk – it’s not an option.”
For information about the golf course and the fundraising offer, please contact Colina Verde Golf and Country Club on please call 289 790 110.
For more information about fundraising or donations for Jake, please contact Jan Burgess on 01472 597579 or by email at [email protected]
