A SOUTHMINSTER mum has organised a ten mile sponsored walk to raise money for her son’s physio treatment.

Louise Turner, of Hillside Road, Southminster, will be taking part in the walk to help raise money for her son Tommy, 3, on July 17.

Tommy was diagnosed with Autism and Global Development Delay when he was 1.

An MRI on Tommy’s brain when he was 1, found that his brain had not developed properly, and so he is unable to talk, walk, stand or crawl.

He was diagnosed with Autism and Global Development Delay when he was 2, and also suffers from heart problems and seizures.

Tommy was receiving treatment on the NHS, but Louise was unhappy with the lack of progress being made.

She said: “He had physio with the NHS but it was not enough. They just weren’t giving him what he needed and he made hardly any progress in two years of physio.”

However, Tommy has recently started private therapy sessions in Colchester with Kid’s Physio Walk.

Since then, Tommy has made great progress: “We heard about a fantastic place in Colchester that had had some good results.

“It is amazing what they have done with him in a few sessions.

“The sessions cost £70 though, and we are doing one a week. That is why we are fundraising, to help pay for his physio and the equipment he needs.”

Louise’s walk, which she will be completing with friends and family, will take her from Dengie Sports Centre, in Burnham, to the Rose Inn Pub, in Southminster.

“The plan is to start at Millfields by the Dengie Sports Centre,” said Louise. “Then we will walk up the High Street towards the Marshes.

“Then we follow the marshes up to Southminster, along Southminster High Street and to the Rose Inn Pub.”

At the end of the 10 mile walk, a raffle will be held at the Rose Inn Pub to try and raise some more money.

If you would like to donate to Tommy’s First Steps, www.gofundme.com/2vrw22k4.

You can also donate via collection buckets which will be available in Maldon Tesco from July 4, until July 17.