A kind-hearted schoolboy is bracing himself for a quirky fundraiser to support the charity that cared for his baby brother.
Ralph Oswald has signed up for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) toe-curling Lego Walk, taking place at Milton on 29th September.
The nine-year-old is walking barefoot across 10,000 plastic bricks and his impressive sponsorship total is already at £500.
EACH is a charity close to his heart as brother Reggie, who had a rare genetic disorder, received care from the organisation. He was just nine and a half months old when he died on 9th August, 2022.
“Ralph wanted to do something himself, without any of us adults joining him,” said mum Emma Wood, who lives in Bury, near Huntingdon.
“Unfortunately, he had Covid and wasn’t able to join in with our first family fundraiser – a ‘Run for Reggie’ 5k event in Peterborough.
“A few of us then did a skydive in Beccles last September, but, of course, he was too young for that one.
“So this is his way of raising funds and, as soon as I saw the details, I knew it would be perfect – especially as Ralph loves Lego.
“We’re extremely proud and, for someone so young, he’s got such drive and always wants to do the right thing to help others.
“Milton’s a happy place for him and it’s still somewhere he loves to go.
“Even now, when I drop him for a sibling day, he always wants to go back on the care floor and see the nurses who became his friends.”
In addition to raising funds, Ralph, who loves gaming and history, especially the Second World War, enjoys flying the flag for EACH.
He won a prestigious ‘Rotary Star’ during an assembly at Bury CofE Primary School, subsequently appearing in his local newspaper, and also helped two classmates raise funds in order to gain a Brownies badge. They sold loom bands and Ralph was their mascot on the day, wearing his purple t-shirt and waving an EACH flag.
“Fundraising has become part of our lives and it’s something we’ll continue to do, as a family, forever,” added Emma.
“EACH has done so much for us and not just in terms of the care and support we received at the time.
“We still benefit from counselling and bereavement support and Ralph has enjoyed sibling days at Clip ‘n Climb, the Botanical Gardens and Shepreth Wildlife Park.
“Milton is a special place and somewhere we have lots of happy memories, despite the sadness of what happened there.
“We were able to do things together, as a family, that we didn’t think possible, including swimming in the hydro pool just four days before Reggie died. Those precious memories will stay with us forever.
“We were there in the most awful, tragic and heartbreaking circumstances but were blessed to meet the loveliest, kindest people. Nothing was ever too much trouble and being looked after meant we were able to focus on supporting each other.”
Reggie had SPTAN1 gene deletion that caused epileptic encephalopathy – a devastating group of epilepsies that left him experiencing seizures and spasms every day, as well as developmental delay. The second anniversary of his death recently passed, on 9th August.
“In terms of how we’re coping, we’re all at different levels,” said Emma’s partner and the boys’ dad, Dan Oswald.
“For me personally, bereavement support has allowed me to address things and given me the tools and strength to get the help I need.
“We all have our ups and downs and the last few weeks have been especially emotional, given that it was the second anniversary of Reggie’s death.
“You never really move on or get over something like that. However, you learn to adapt to a new life and I’m thankful we’ve got this far, by loving and supporting each other.
“We’re always talking about Reggie. We have pictures everywhere and so many treasured memories – many of which were only possible because of EACH.”
To show your support and sponsor Ralph, head here.
There is still time to register for EACH’s Lego Walk. The cost is £11 for a child’s ticket and £15 for adults, although there is a 50% off offer running until 1st September and the code is LEGO50.
There are four time slots between 2pm and 3.30pm.
To find out more and book, head here.