MEDOWIE youngster Ruben Phillips has been a tough little fighter from the start, born prematurely at 31 weeks and weighing a tiny 4 pounds and 4 ounces.

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At 22 months he was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, which causes tightness or stiffness in the legs and also affects his balance, coordination and fine motor skills.

Ruben receives physical therapy and occupational therapy regularly and wears AFO’s (ankle foot orthoses).

Ruben’s Mother Lyndell Phillips told News Of The Area, “He has also started receiving Botox injections to relax the muscles in his legs, we then work on intensive physio and home therapy to try and strengthen his muscles during the period the Botox is effective.”

“As a family we try to do as much extra things as we can to benefit him.”

“The last 12 months we’ve been taking him weekly to Cardiff to a strength rehabilitation session with Daniel Moffat Martin at To The Edge High Performance Centre,” she said.

He also participates in swimming lessons, and does horse riding with Riding for the Disabled.

The centre where Ruben attends strength rehabilitation have reached out to the family, asking to run a special fundraising day for this young man.

Saturday 24 February will see the centre in Cardiff celebrate with an open gym fundraising event for their most special member, Ruben.

Lyndell says, “We are so proud of our determined, resilient little man.”

“He takes on every challenge thrown his way, always with a huge smile winning hearts all around him.”

“Ruben is very lucky to be surrounded by a team of amazing people, in particular Daniel Moffat Martin at To The Edge High Performance Centre,” she said.

Lyndell added, “Ruben & Dan have been working together for about 12 months and his progress has been phenomenal, so we cannot thank Dan enough for selflessly organising this event for Ruben.’

The fundraising event will be raising money to help go towards not only the costs of Ruben’s training, but also the other therapies and frequent medical visits that have become normal routine in his young life, and very costly to his parents.

One the day there will be a $10 cover charge to have access to the gym and activities.

Across the event there will be raffles with some amazing prizes, lucky door prizes, a ‘dead lift for dollars’ competition, rowing challenge and a barbecue.

Every dollar made on the day will be 100% donated to the Phillip family.

You can find the event ‘Rubens Fundraiser’ on Facebook, or simply turn up on the day to participate at
‘To The Edge High Performance Centre’ 46 Mitchell Road, Cardiff.

By Rachael VAUGHAN