Little boy with the big heart ...
2712013 SSFF harris kelly Harris Kelly (9) who has Downs Syndrome & a heart condition - Harris is doing a sponsored walk in aid of Rebekah & Megan Rae - sisters who both have cancer - at the Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy
A KIRKCALDY boy who has overcome his own health difficulties took on a huge challenge at the weekend to help two sisters who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Harris Kelly (9), has Downs Syndrome and a complex heart condition which means he struggles to walk very far, but after hearing the story of Rebekah and Megan Rae and their fights with cancer he was determined to do something to help.
The Kirkcaldy West pupil decided he wanted to do a sponsored walk to help raise money for the sisters.
His mum Julia, a work colleague of the girls’ mum Julie, told the Press: “I had been telling him one night about Rebekah and Megan and how they were both very sick.
“He said ‘I’m going to walk’ and was determined he would walk round the park. Walking once round Beveridge Park doesn’t seem a lot, but it was a huge challenge for Harris.
“His mobility is limited by his heart condition and he tires really easily.
“He can only really walk a couple of hundred yards at a time before he has to stop for a drink or a rest.”
But having set his mind to the task and gaining sponsorship from family and friends, Harris completed his sponsored walk on Saturday morning.
Among those cheering him on were his dad Martin and little brother Fergus.
There was also a lot of support from friends at Newcraigs Church.
Julia continued: “It was absolutely brilliant. Lots of people came down to support him on the day.
“At the moment we’re looking at more than £1400 once all the money is collected in.
“A lot of people knew it was going to be hard for him, but he managed it in less than an hour.
Difficulties
“We had thought it might have taken a little longer than that, but he did really well.
“He really enjoyed doing it and kept saying ‘I just want to help Rebekah and Megan get better.’
“He has had seven heart operations and overcome his own difficulties and doesn’t like the thought of the girls having to spend time in the hospital.
“I think it helped that his friends were there to cheer him on and keep him going.
“Afterwards when I asked how he was feeling he said ‘I’m shattered’.
“He was really pleased he did it and we’re really proud of him.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone that came to the park to help cheer him on and to everyone who has very kindly given a donation.
“It was a really good day.”
The Rae sisters, Rebekah (12) and Megan (10), were diagnosed with different forms of cancer just months apart.
Rebekah has been undergoing treatment for Ewing’s Sarcoma since her diagnosis in September, while the family discovered Megan had B Cell Lymphoma at the end of May.
Since then the girls’ family and friends have been rallying round, showing their support and helping to fundraise for them.
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Tuesday 18 June 2013
Today
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Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
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