A WOMAN from Glusburn is raising money to help to pay for a new pair of "hero arms" for a young boy who lost his limbs after contracting a life-changing disease.
Nine-year-old Luke Mortimer from Embsay was admitted to Airedale Hospital two years ago after he was diagnosed with a life-threatening form of bacterial meningitis, which later developed into septicaemia.
As a result, the rugby-mad youngster who attends Water Street School in Skipton had to have part of all of his limbs amputated, and spent five months in Sheffield Children's Hospital.
Now, the local community has come together to raise money for specialised bionic limbs that will allow him to move his arms by tensing his muscles - but will cost a staggering £13,000 per arm and will need to be replaced every two to five years.
Fiona Jenkinson, 43, who has already raised more than £10,000 for charity in the past, saw his story and knew she had to do something.
She said: "Fundraising has been a huge part of my life over the past four years because of the people I have lost, and people I have known that have had bone cancer, so predominantly I really wanted this year to help somebody get a prosthetic limb because it's something we take for granted.
"I was talking to someone and she mentioned Luke's story and how his family were trying to raise money. I hadn't really followed it properly but then I thought if I had the choice between having my arms or my legs, as much as I love running, it really made me think and realise I'd hate to not have the independence with my arms."
Fiona ran four miles every four hours for 48 hours around Skipton, Glusburn and Bingley to contribute towards the £52,000 target, and was joined by Luke as she made her way through Aireville Park, Skipton.
So far, she has raised £374 of her £500 target.
She said: "This kid is just unreal, he ran for a bit with me yesterday and he was just smiling and he was so happy and really fast on his little legs. To go through the transition he's been through, a completely different way of life and to still be like he is, is just something else."
On February 26, 2022 a fundraising casino night was held at Skipton Rugby Club where £5,000 was raised towards the cause.
Luke's father, Adam Mortimer said: "We're just blown away with the generosity and the kindness of strangers. We're very lucky that the people in Skipton and the surrounding areas keep supporting us and we just want to say a huge thank you."
He said that Luke is excited for his new arms, and the thing he is looking forward to most is being able to hold a J20 drink on his own.
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