Eccles Dad takes part in Boxing Event to help raise funds for cerebral palsy

An Eccles dad of three is taking part in a Fight Night to help raise funds for a childhood friend who has cerebral palsy.

Painter and decorator McKenzie Hamilton, 22, will be taking part in the Fight Night at The Emporium in Coalville, Leicester on July 25. There will be 20 scheduled bouts of three two minute rounds, as well as entertainment including singers and food available. Doors open at 2pm.

McKenzie said: ‘I’ve known Freya since she was about three and she’s a great girl. My brother was in her class and my Mum worked at the school too. She’s currently recovering from an operation and it would be great to help her Dad out with paying for the therapies she needs to help her get better.’

McKenzie is planning to mention Freya’s campaign at the pre-event press conference and after his fight, hand out flyers and pass a bucket around.

Dad Darren Bailey, 54, a water engineer, has been holding annual ‘Scooter Grannies’ races since 2016 to help raise funds for an operation which helped ease Freya’s pain. He now has to continue to raise money for ongoing physio which helps to keep her mobile and means she can continue to ride her adapted bike and go swimming.

Darren said: ‘As well as Freya’ ongoing physiotherapy, which costs £200 each week, I am constantly having to buy or upgrade equipment as she grows and her needs change. I’ve already had to remortgage the house to make the adaptations she needs, and there is always something else that needs paying for, even aside from her physiotherapy.’

Darren worries about how Freya will be cared for in the future. ‘If it was just me, I’d probably just give up,’ he said. ‘But I need to keep on fighting for Freya. I’m truly grateful to McKenzie for taking this on for Freya – it means a lot.’

The family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope, which helps families raise money for children and young people like Freya for medical treatments and healthcare services not freely available to them through the NHS and social care.

The charity provides fundraising guidance, campaign development, financial management, charity registration and emotional support from the Family Support team. Families like Freya’s benefit from having the support, tools and resources to fundraise effectively as well as access to gift aid, corporate support while also providing donor reassurance.

Tree of Hope CEO Becky Andrew said: ‘We wish Freya and her supporters all the best with their fundraising activities! We are pleased to give them support in reaching their fundraising goals.’

To donate to Freya’s fund or to find out more about the Fight Night, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581446769183&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=VWoA2PhdJhk8AcuS&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1bNkSqiws1%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#   or https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/ways-to-give/childrens-campaigns/freyas-little-legs/