Published at 16:43, Monday, 01 October 2012

GENEROUS Barrow residents who helped a boy to walk nine years ago are rallying around to support him once more.

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Bailey Harding won the hearts of Evening Mail readers back in Christmas 2003 when they raised £800 in two weeks to buy a specially-adapted walker to allow the disabled tot to take his first steps and develop his muscles.

Bailey, now 11, has the rare condition optic nerve hypoplasia, which has left him partially sighted and suffering growth problems because of an under-developed pituitary gland.

Bailey, who has just started at Walney School, is also profoundly deaf and is due to have his 12th hearing operation this year. He also has adrenal insufficiency, a potentially life-threatening condition which means his body cannot cope with sudden pain or stress.

Bailey’s physiotherapist at Furness General Hospital has suggested a trike would help him.

Two fundraising events have been organised to help pay for the £1,090 trike, which will enable Bailey to go on bike rides with his mum, Sam Harding, 32, dad Jon Harding, 31, and his four-year-old sister, Sadie.

A family entertainment fundraising night is set to take place on November 2, the day before Bailey’s birthday. Barrow and District Society for the Blind, which has supported Bailey since he was a baby, is also putting on a quiz night at the Nautical Club on Walney from 7pm on October 18.

Mrs Harding, of Bermuda Crescent, Walney, said she is incredibly grateful to everyone who has offered to support the events after seeing her posts on Facebook.

She said: “Without the people of Barrow’s help, Bailey wouldn’t have walked. That money came from Barrow people. That was a milestone and now he has reached another going to secondary school.

“He wants to be out on a trike. His sister has a bike and his friends do and I want to see him do that.

“The trike will help with his mobility, his coordination and his stamina.

“Bailey would not physically be able to sit on a bike because of his eyes and his balance, plus there is a risk of him falling off and, because of his adrenal insufficiency, he can’t cope with stress.”

Manchester United supporter Bailey said: “I’d like to go on bike rides with my family and on my own. I like school, people are dead funny and nice there. I like English and reading books.”

Pete Murphy will compère the family night at Hawcoat Park Sports and Social Club in Hawcoat Lane, Barrow, from 7pm on November 2.

The event will feature music, magic and a raffle with prizes including Manchester United tickets.

Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for children and are available from Cinders Clothing Agency in Buccleuch Street, Barrow.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk