A SCHOOLBOY is preparing for a triathlon challenge in aid of a Wirral charity helping children with cerebral palsy and needs Globe readers to help raise sponsorship.

Harley, age 12, who lives in Bagillt, North Wales attends twice weekly conductive education sessions at charity Stick 'n' Step's centre in Wallasey.

He is taking part in a triathlon at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire, which involves a 400m swim, a 22km bike ride and a 4k run to raise £4,500 to help children who, like him, have cerebral palsy.

The classes encourage confidence, independence and mobility and are provided free of charge by the charity to children with cerebral palsy.

Now Harley, supported by his dad Jonny, wants to raise enough money to fund a place at Stick 'n' Step for another child for a year.

For the triathlon in June, dad Jonny will be towing Harley in a boat for the swim section, pushing his wheelchair in the run, and using a specially adapted bike for the cycling section. Father and son are both training hard already.

Hettie Miles, corporate and community fundraiser, Stick ‘n’ Step, said: "Harley has been attending our classes for six years.

"He has made great progress with his mobility and communication skills and loves to get involved in everything.

"We are very touched that he now wants to help provide another child with the same conductive education opportunities.

"The triathlon will be really gruelling for him and his dad and we wish them the very best of luck with their training and the event itself."

The charity provides the children with totally free of charge conductive education sessions, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live independent lives.

Over 80 children, from across the region, attend these sessions weekly or twice weekly at the charity’s two centres in Wallasey and Runcorn.

To find out how to help Harley’s fundraising or to access support from Stick 'n' Step or see how you could help this local charity please call the Wallasey centre on 0151 638 0888 or the Runcorn centre on 01928 573777.

For more information on the charity, please go to www.sticknstep.org.