Catwalk show will help Banbury schoolboy to keep moving

Banbury folk are being asked to support a fundraiser next week to help a brave schoolboy keep standing strong.
Ronnie Jacob, 11, who is undergoing  intensive physio to stay mobileRonnie Jacob, 11, who is undergoing  intensive physio to stay mobile
Ronnie Jacob, 11, who is undergoing intensive physio to stay mobile

Ronnie Jacob – who has cerebral palsy – has been undergoing highly specialised physiotherapy to prevent deterioration in his mobility.

Banbury folk rallied round in 2011 to raise £86,000 to send him to St Louis, USA for a pioneering operation to free his legs, allowing him to take his first steps.

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The Banbury Guardian’s Strictly Banbury competition helped by raising £5,500 towards the cost.

Mum Katie Jacob said: “Since Ronnie had spinal surgery in 2011 he has worked so hard at Footsteps physio centre in Dorchester on Thames.

“We have kept soldiering on to keep him on his feet. This is the average age kids with cerebral palsy get weaker and tend to end up needing to use wheelchairs.

In November Ronnie had a breakthrough and decided for the first time in his 11 years that he really wanted to do it and give it his all. Since then we’ve practically lived at Footsteps. He works tirelessly and the physios can’t believe the difference.”

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In July, Ronnie took 12 independent steps his personal best. But sadly the funds are running low so family and friends are trying to raise more money.

“We want to give Ronnie every chance of living his life to the fullest,” Mrs Jacob said.

“He goes to The Warriner School this week and has refused a wheelchair as he wants to be with his friends.”

The fashion show by Travelling Trends is at 7pm at The Warriner on Wednesday, September 12. Entry is £6, for tickets call 07876 442407.

To see more of his progress go to Ronnie’s Journey Step by Step on Facebook.

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