Just4Children are fundraising to provide Ettore with intensive specialist physiotherapy and orthotics to improve his walking, balance and independence, helping him achieve his dream of running and riding a bike.
Meet Ettore, a happy, funny and determined eight-year-old boy from Gloucestershire who has already overcome so many challenges. He loves singing, making people smile and enjoying the great outdoors. His favourite song is You’ve Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story – a song that perfectly captures the support and friendship that have helped him on his journey.
Ettore was born extremely prematurely and developed cerebral palsy as a result of a brain injury. For the first five years of his life, walking independently seemed a distant dream. But Ettore has never given up.
Thanks to years of intensive specialist physiotherapy, a major neurosurgical procedure called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) in 2024, and dedicated rehabilitation afterwards, Ettore has achieved something truly remarkable. He can now walk approximately 70 metres without assistance!
Every step represents years of determination, hard work and incredible support.
But Ettore’s journey is far from over.
He has hip dysplasia affecting both hips, which presents further challenges with his posture, balance and walking. He needs ongoing intensive specialist physiotherapy and individually adapted orthotics to help improve his walking pattern, stability and mobility. He may also require further orthopaedic treatment as he grows.
Ettore absolutely loves being outdoors, and now that he has discovered the joy of walking independently, he wants to do even more.
His next big dreams are to run, ride a bike and enjoy the freedom of movement that so many children take for granted.
With the right therapy, specialist support and equipment, we hope to help Ettore continue building his strength, confidence and independence, giving him every opportunity to reach his potential.
Ettore has already shown us just how much is possible with determination and the right support. Now we want to help him take those next exciting steps.
As his favourite song reminds us, You’ve Got a Friend in Me.
Will you be a friend to Ettore and help him on his journey from walking towards running and riding a bike?
Every donation, however small, will help support Ettore’s ongoing therapy and specialist orthotics.
Thank you for believing in Ettore and helping him move towards a brighter, more independent future.
