Youngster With Brain Injury And Mum Raise Money For Charity Group B Strep Support

A young boy with disabilities is taking part in a fundraising mission after being inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Grayson Harris, four, and his mum Bethany Ford, 24, are walking or running at least one mile a day throughout July in aid of the charity Group B Strep Support.

Grayson, of Mitcham, Surrey, had group B strep as a new born. The bacterial infection, which is transmitted from mum to their baby towards the end of pregnancy or in labour, caused Grayson to suffer meningitis. 

As a result he now has global development delay and has cognitive and behavioural problems. 

Since his diagnosis, specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have been helping the family access specialist therapies and support Grayson requires.

Expert Opinion

“It’s incredible to hear about Grayson’s determination and generosity by taking part in a charity fundraiser which is clearly a challenge for him.

“The charity sector is undoubtedly struggling at this time and it’s great to see Grayson and Bethany helping to make a difference.

“Grayson is also a brilliant example of why you shouldn’t let disability stop you from doing what you want to achieve.” Richard Kayser - Partner

Many charities are struggling to maintain services, with their income hit hard as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Group B Strep Support organised the Step for Strep campaign.

Grayson and Bethany aim to complete 45 kilometres – nearly 28 miles by the end of the month. They are making great strides, already completing 26.5 km – around 16.5 miles. 

They decided to take part in the challenge after seeing Capt Sir Tom raise more than £32 million for charities by completing laps of his garden in the run up to his 100th birthday.

Bethany and Grayson, have so far raised £100.

Bethany said: “The older Grayson gets the more we find out about the extent of his global development delay and how it affects him. He is behind other children of his age and isn’t reaching the same milestones with his development, language and his awareness as they are.

“Grayson lacks spatial awareness and falls over quite a lot. He has cuts and bruises up his arms and legs as a result. But when we kept seeing what Captain Tom was achieving it inspired us to do our little bit to help those who have supported us. 

“This is a really big challenge for Grayson and I can’t be any prouder of the way he has taken to it. It’s incredible to think that we have already completed the distance we have. 

“We are so grateful to everyone who has supported Grayson either through encouraging him or through donations. It means so much to us.”

To donate to Grayson’s fundraising challenge visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bfgh10k

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families affected by Group B Strep.