Funny walk will boost deaf children's service

The fundraising walk from Clarence Pier to Cosham, which raised money for The Elizabeth Foundation. Antony Davies, centre, leads the group
Picture Ian Hargreaves (160843-1) — The fundraising walk from Clarence Pier to Cosham, which raised money for The Elizabeth Foundation. Antony Davies, centre, leads the group Picture Ian Hargreaves (160843-1)

So the 27-year-old boxer and pals put on silly outfits and have walked five miles through Portsmouth.

The colourful group left from outside the Premier Inn at Clarence Pier on Saturday morning and paraded through to Cosham Social Club, in Wayte Street.

Antony was raising cash for the Elizabeth Foundation at Queen Alexandra Hospital, which has helped his daughter Rosie Louise, one, who is deaf and has cerebral palsy.

He said: ‘We’re doing this to raise funds for my little girl.

‘They’re progressing her hearing and her sound.

‘They’re working on her joints and bones with her physiotherapist to get equipment for her to support her neck and back.

‘They’re amazing, they’re doing a lot of work for her.’

The News previously reported how Rosie Louise and her twin Jensen James were born to mum Kelly Aitken 11 weeks early.

Jensen weighed just 1lb 14oz and Rosie 2lb 5oz.

The tots were cared for by the neo-natal intensive care unit at QA and the grateful parents wanted to show their enormous gratitude.

Talking about why he chose to fundraise for the Elizabeth Foundation, Antony added: ‘We’ve got a child going through it, I know what the other parents are going through – and the pain – so I want to help.’

The foundation was set up more than 30 years ago and works with deaf children to improve their language skills.

When walkers reached the social club they were greeted with entertainment for the children and fundraising games, including a pool and darts marathon. All of the cash is going to support the well-appreciated foundation.

Antony’s dad Tony, 56, was on the walk supporting his son and granddaughter.

Veteran fundraiser Tony, of Peterborough Road, Wymering, added: ‘I’ve been doing charity for 15 years.

‘This is for my granddaughter and the foundation, it’s all for the kids’ hearing and talking. It’s absolutely brilliant, it’s just brilliant, it’s unbelievable what they do.’

About £1,300 was raised from the walk and the fun day, and Antony hopes the final total will be about £2,000.