Gosport boy with cerebral palsy completes 20-mile challenge to help other children with the condition

A 12-year-old boy with cerebral palsy has completed a 20-mile challenge to raise over £1,000 for a charity close to his heart.
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Jack Cowley, from Gosport decided to raise money for Cerebral Palsy Sport after benefiting from taking part in football and swimming events organised by the charity.

Jack said: ‘I felt quite sore after finishing my challenge but it felt really good to know that I had done something which will help other children with cerebral palsy to take part in sport.

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‘They arrange and adapt all types of sports for people to take part in. I really enjoy the swimming galas and football tournaments they put on.’

Jack Cowley, 12, celebrates completing his 20 mile challenge for Cerebral Palsy Sport.Jack Cowley, 12, celebrates completing his 20 mile challenge for Cerebral Palsy Sport.
Jack Cowley, 12, celebrates completing his 20 mile challenge for Cerebral Palsy Sport.
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The selfless Crofton School pupil ran and walked the distance throughout the month of March. It was a massive challenge for Jack with the debilitating condition meaning he normally struggles to walk more than one mile and ‘even less’ when running.

He completed the challenge with dad, John Cowley, 33, who said: ‘It’s amazing what he has done and I’m very proud – he’s an inspiration to all of us.

‘The fact he wanted to do this to help others just shows how caring he is. While we were doing the challenge all he would talk about is how it will help other children.’

Jack Cowley, 12, has raised over £1,000 for the charity Cerebral Palsy Sport.Jack Cowley, 12, has raised over £1,000 for the charity Cerebral Palsy Sport.
Jack Cowley, 12, has raised over £1,000 for the charity Cerebral Palsy Sport.
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Mum Chay Cowley, 32, added: ‘We are really proud of Jack taking on this challenge and it says a lot about his character. He is the gift that keeps on giving.’

Jack has now raised £1,005 via his JustGiving page but hopes to raise more.

Aunt Kerri Cowley said: ‘We are immensely proud of Jack. He initially set a total of £200 and has completely smashed that.’

Jack added: ‘I’m really happy with the amount of money I have raised but any further donations will really help.’

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Cerebral Palsy Sport provides sporting opportunities for people who have the condition to help develop both their physical and mental wellbeing. Every year the charity helps over 4,000 children and young people with cerebral palsy to participate in and enjoy sport.

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