FAMILY friends and relatives are going the extra mile in a bid to raise money for a youngster who suffers from a form of cerebral palsy.

Friends of two-year-old Max Wildman, from Kirby Cross, will be pounding the pavements and getting on their bikes to raise cash to fund selective dorsal rhizotomy operations which are not provided by the NHS.

The operations will improve his muscles and help him to move around.

Max was born not breathing at 31 weeks and he contracted multiple infections which spread to his brain, causing cerebral palsy diplegia.

The condition now means the youngster is unable to walk unaided and needs specialist equipment and therapy to help him with day-to-day tasks.

Dad Nick is taking on a gruelling bike ride with pals Andrew Beattie, 39, Hadley Butcher, 24 and Mark Bullen, 39, to raise vital funding for Max.

They are hoping to raise £5,000 by riding the 100-mile South Downs trail in less than 24 hours to help towards the youngster’s treatment.

As well as the South Down’s challenge, family friends Beth Keary, 40, and Charlotte Dowsett, 30, are also taking on the Frinton half marathon to raise even more cash for Max. The two pals will be raring to go at the starting line on Sunday, April 29.

Max’s mum Ellen, 35, of Peake Avenue, said: “Max is now two and he has recently got his first frame to assist with walking.

“He attends private physio at Kids Physio Works on a weekly basis which has had a huge impact already.

“We are hoping to get Max as much support as possible to enable him to lead an independent life and be able to walk unaided.

“Both Nick and I are completely overwhelmed by the local support and the support of our family and friends. We are so grateful.”

To donate to either fund visit justgiving.com/fundraising/maximuswildman.