Mickleton youngster refuses to let disability get in his way

A Mickleton youngster who is determined not to let anything get in his way has raised more than £400 for charity.
Ethan Fletcher, 8, suffers from hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy which affects one side of the body. In Ethan’s case, the right side of his body is much weaker than his left.
Ethan’s mum, Debra, said: “We don’t know when it was, when I was pregnant or at birth, but part of the brain was deprived of oxygen. That has resulted in Ethan having a mild form of cerebral palsy and he has right-sided hemiplegia as a result of it.”
Last month, Ethan took part in the Children’s Disability Triathlon, which was held at the David Lloyd leisure centre in Newcastle. About 30 youngsters with a range of disabilities took part in the one-day event, during which Ethan cycled 2km, swam 150 metres and ran 900 metres.
Ms Fletcher said: “Physically he does really well. He takes part in everything at school. He does not let it stop him. He always tries really hard.”
Friends, family and neighbours sponsored the Midd-
leton-in-Teesdale Primary School pupil to take part in the event. Having hoped to raise just £100, Ethan exceeded his goal, raising £435 for Heel and Toe children’s charity.
Once a fortnight Ethan attends free conductive education sessions with other children who have hemiplegia and physical disabilities. The group sessions are held in Chester-le-Street and run by Heel and Toe.
Ms Fletcher said: “Heel and Toe do great things. It is nice to meet other families with children who have similar problems.
“It is not going to get any better but it will not get worse for Ethan. What we want to do as a family is to make sure that we have given him every opportunity so it does not become a problem. We are proud of him. Sometimes he gets a bit anxious about things but he tries.”
Ethan was awarded a T-shirt and a medal for his efforts.
He said: “It was good fun but I was tired at the end. Thank you for all of my sponsors.”