A Bexley decorator is taking on a 72-hole golf challenge to raise funds for his eight-year-old nephew who has a rare genetic disorder.
Albert Said, 8, from Brentwood, Essex has the extremely rare genetic disorder Pitt Hopkins Syndrome. He cannot crawl, walk or talk and relies on adults to meet all his daily needs.
Louie Callaghan, 34, and three of his friends will be taking on the golf challenge at Royal Blackheath Golf Club on June 21.
Louie said: ‘We’ll be starting tat 4am, as soon as it gets light, and hope to have completed it by about 9pm. Albert’s mum Carly is my sister and I’ve never done any fundraising for Albert before, so I wanted to do something to help.’
Albert’s mum Carly, 37, an office administrator said: ‘Albert will always need support from different therapists and rely on equipment to help him become as independent as possible. We have already met our initial goal at £10,000, thanks to the generosity of friends, family and our community.
‘However Albert’s annual physio sessions alone cost £4,420 each year, and he often needs new equipment as he grows, so costs are ongoing.’
‘We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped us with fundraising and of course would like to thank Louie and his friends for taking this on for Albert.’
Albert’s family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope which helps families fundraise for children like Albert with healthcare needs where the NHS cannot, as well as providing charity status to benefit from gift aid, corporate support while also providing donor reassurance.
Tree of Hope CEO Becky Andrew said: ‘We are delighted to be supporting the Said family with their fundraising and wish Louie and his friends all the best with the golf challenge.’
To donate to Albert’s fund or sponsor Louie, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/albert-said/ or https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/72-Hours-Golf-2024
