Corby schoolboy Caeden back in training to hit the heights with Ben Nevis charity trek

He had been due to tackle the UK's highest peak this month but the adventure had to be postponed
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A Corby boy who has cerebral palsy who was due to climb Britain's highest mountain to help others with the condition has welcomed the new 'unlimited' lockdown exercise rules.

Beanfield Primary School pupil Caeden Thomson, six, was born prematurely and had been set to push himself to the limit by walking to the summit of Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands - which stands at 1,345 m above sea level.

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When the coronavirus lockdown was enforced, Caeden, who sometimes uses a stick, had to abandon the fundraiser and postpone his vital medical procedures including intramuscular botox injections that were improving his walking.

Welcoming the easing of exercise restrictions, he and his family will re-start their rigorous fitness plan and training regime to get them back on track to Caeden's mountain goal.

Mum Lisa,34, said: "The lockdown has had a massive impact on him. It's been heartbreaking. He was preparing for his botox treatment but then lockdown came in.

"The botox treatment is great, it lasts for six to nine months and has made such a difference.

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"He had been walking up to three miles and then we were ready for the final push with serial casting, ready for the botox injections into his calf muscles.

Caeden moved to Corby, from Surrey, two years agoCaeden moved to Corby, from Surrey, two years ago
Caeden moved to Corby, from Surrey, two years ago

"That would have helped his walking, but the hospital had to cancel his appointments. We were given the choice to go in and have them remove the cast but we did it at home - I couldn't put him at risk."

During the lockdown, Caeden has been training in his back garden with sister Khya, ten, and eight-year-old brother Ashton, but mum Lisa has noticed a difference in how Caeden has been struggling with walking and he has been in more pain.

She said: "We do daily physio and exercises but his muscle tone has changed. With lockdown, it's got a hell of a lot harder.

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"Kettering General Hospital has been absolutely amazing. They've given me so much support and I can call at any time.

Caeden ThomsonCaeden Thomson
Caeden Thomson

"Now we can go out for longer, we can get back into training. Doing four to five hours will make all the difference and we're going to be making the most of it."

Money raised by Caeden's charity trek, that was due to be completed this month, will be used to provide a tablet device to help medics during the botox treatment, as well to help St Mary's Hospital, Kettering's Sudborough House, and charity Scope.

The family are hoping to travel up to Scotland this September, and will camp near the mountain.

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Caeden, who will celebrate his seventh birthday next week, said: "I'm scared that I won't be able to do it and I'm sad that we couldn't go. The most exciting bit will be the camping.

Caeden is looking forward to getting back to training for his trekCaeden is looking forward to getting back to training for his trek
Caeden is looking forward to getting back to training for his trek

"I'm looking forward to going back into training. My legs hurt a lot more but it's going to be really, really awesome."

More than £1,400 has already been donated online towards the £8,000 fundraising target. To donate, click here.To get more information on Caeden’s training, physio and treatments leading up to the big day and updates on the walk day itself, subscribe to Caeden’s YouTube channel here.A message from the Editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

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