Walkers tackling 50km challenge seek sponsors to help boost Team James

James Reid with his mother on Papamoa Beach yesterday afternoon. Photo / Andrew Warner

Team James are closing in on having half the money they need to get James Reid to America for a life-changing operation and are fundraising again - this time by walking 50km.

Five-year-old James suffers from quadriplegia cerebral palsy. He also has hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and epilepsy.

Thanks to the support of the Tauranga community donations on James' Givealittle page have reached nearly $60,000 to help him on his way to get an operation called selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening. This would avoid further contractures (stiffness of his muscles and tendons), and reduce the need for more surgeries in the future.

His family have estimated they need $150,000 for the trip.

James' mother Sonja Reid said the walk was due to take place on Sunday, May 17, with about 50 people walking from Papamoa East to Mount Maunganui, around the base of the Mount twice and back to Papamoa East.

"The idea is for people to sponsor those who are walking it or give via the Givealittle page again.

"There are a few people who will do the whole 50km, I am going to try to do 25km. It's going to be a good day. Everybody is going to wear blue to support the cause and show their support for James. So hopefully everybody will be able to spot us on the day."

The walk is set to start at 7am with participants in teams of two or four.

One person will run the event and add another 25km to the distance.

Mrs Reid said they were still hoping to get their little boy to America in September this year.

"The earlier the better really, we've always said that."

It would be best to take him out of school later this year, then he would have the summer holidays to recover properly, she said.

James had loved his first term at school this year, she said.

"He really loves his teachers, teacher aides and they are really supportive. He has his moments of course like any other 5-year-old but on the whole he's doing really well.

"Amazing in terms of coming along with his spelling too. He's always loved reading and gets a kick out of recognising the words now," she said.

How to assist
To help James get to America please head to his Givealittle page: givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/teamjameswalk