A GROUP of Dorset and Hampshire men and women have completed a gruelling challenge to raise money for a young boy with a debilitating disorder.

The 11 men and women have completed three marathons in three consecutive days - Charge4Chester - in aid of Chester Walton.

This challenge was organised by husband and wife, Ben and Sam Walton, whose son, Chester, has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy which affects his whole body.

Chester is bound to a wheelchair and requires full time care and assistance as a result of the debilitating condition.

The Waltons - who live in Verwood - believe that with the help of a major surgical procedure known as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, Chester could learn to move, stand and – even one day - walk, without being in pain.

The potentially life-changing procedure, however, comes at a cost and the couple believe they will need up to £100,000 to pay for the procedure itself, as well as the necessary equipment and two years of intensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy that Chester will require post-surgery.

Fundraising for the procedure began in 2019, with a variety of events taking place to fundraise for Chester, thanks to the help of family, friends, and colleagues.

Triple marathon mission to support four-year-old boy with debilitating disorder

Triple marathon Charge4Chester took place from Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27, and together with nine of their friends and family, Ben and Sam ran more than 78 miles, from Poole – where Chester was born – to Bristol – where they hope Chester may one day be able to undergo surgery.

The challenge took around 16 hours to complete in total, and saw the group climb more than 5,000 feet, battling steep inclines and off-road terrain.

Ben said: "The challenge was a huge test both physically and mentally, but our team spirit and common goal to change Chester’s life is what ultimately carried us through to that finish line. And some pain relief along the way certainly helped too."

Sam added: "So many of our fundraising plans had to be put on hold because of Covid-19 and so we knew we had to do something big. We wanted to push ourselves to the absolute limit like Chester does every single day.

"We have been absolutely blown away by the amount of work that everyone has put into making this happen and the support, kind words and donations from so many people. We will never be able to thank them enough."

In addition to the triple marathon challenge, around 100 people across the country took part in their own fundraisers simultaneously to raise funds for Chester.

From 10k runs and half marathons through to triathlons and beach walks, collectively members of the public shared their videos and photos on social media with the goal of helping Chester to get the required surgery he needs.

To donate to Charge4Chester, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charge4chester