George Poch, 5, was diagnosed with Kabuki Syndrome just after his first birthday. He has low muscle tone and cannot walk far, is tube fed, has visual impairment, a heart defect, developmental delay and learning disabilities.
In spite of this, he is a happy little boy who enjoys playing with his brothers Charles, 9, and Harry, 7, but his favourite activity is horse-riding at the Chigwell Riding for the Disabled Association Centre in Chigwell.
‘He looks forward to his riding sessions every week,’ says Mum Kate, 33. ‘Not only are they good for his muscle tone, especially his core, but also his communication and confidence. He gives the horse Buster instructions, and chats with the volunteers who say he’s really coming on. He loves it.’
Dad Stephen, 36, a painter and decorator, is planning to take part in a ‘white collar’ boxing match to help raise funds for the £19 a time sessions. He has already started training for the match which will take place on May 28th at The Circus Tavern in Purfleet, Essex.
White collar boxing is a form of boxing in which people in white collar professions take part in boxing matches after weeks of training.
Stephen said: ‘I’m so excited to be doing this boxing match. George has been a fighter himself starting off in the intensive care unit struggling to breathe – he was fighting for his life. Just seeing all the resilience in George inspires me to go forward into this battle knowing it’s raising money for his horse riding therapy – it gives me extra inspiration when I’m training. I’m so looking forward to the fight.’
The family is supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope. The charity helps families fundraise for children like George with healthcare needs and provides charity status to benefit from gift aid, corporate support whilst also providing donor reassurance.
Gill Gibb, Tree of Hope CEO said: ‘We’re delighted to be supporting the Poch family in their fundraising efforts and wish Stephen the best of luck in his brave endeavour!’
For more information about George or to donate to his fund, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/george-poch/
