VIDEO: Thousands support toddler's dream of being able to walk

Thousands headed to Crawley Rugby Club at the weekend to help make a toddler's dream of being able to walk come true.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st May 2017, 12:27 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 03:15 BST
Southern Hemisphere rugby players with Sonny. Picture: Steve RobardsSouthern Hemisphere rugby players with Sonny. Picture: Steve Robards
Southern Hemisphere rugby players with Sonny. Picture: Steve Robards

The rugby club put on a rugby festival to raise cash for Sonny Hamilton, who turned three on Monday.

Sonny was born prematurely with cerebral palsy, which affects his ability to sit and walk.

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He needs a selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) operation and his family are trying to raise £80,000 to get him this by next year.

Southern Hemisphere rugby players with Sonny. Picture: Steve RobardsSouthern Hemisphere rugby players with Sonny. Picture: Steve Robards
Southern Hemisphere rugby players with Sonny. Picture: Steve Robards

Before the festival they had raised £30,000.

His mum, Katie Finkle, 26, of Holman Close, Crawley, said: “It was an absolutely fantastic weekend – we won’t know how much we raised until later this week.

“Thousands came and there was so much support from everyone.

“Sonny led out both teams and this was a really touching moment and it was great for everyone to see him with his walker – which showed his struggle.

A minute silence took place at the festival as a mark of respect for the Manchester bomb victims. Picture: Steve RobardsA minute silence took place at the festival as a mark of respect for the Manchester bomb victims. Picture: Steve Robards
A minute silence took place at the festival as a mark of respect for the Manchester bomb victims. Picture: Steve Robards
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“It was such a good atmosphere with lots of families and things to do for children – I am hoping we have raised money in the thousands mark.”

This was the second type of event held at the rugby club in Ifield Avenue, having raised £30,000 last year for the Olivers Wish Foundation, which was founded by prominent member of the club and former 1st team captain, Rob Dowling, 42.

His son, Oliver tragically died in his sleep just before his second birthday in October 2015.

Rob said: “Last year’s event was tremendously successful and we were keen to do it again and thought it would be amazing to help Sonny this year. I couldn’t think of anything better.

Sonny with rugby captains at the festival. Picture: Steve RobardsSonny with rugby captains at the festival. Picture: Steve Robards
Sonny with rugby captains at the festival. Picture: Steve Robards
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The festival included a Legends match with two full teams of ex-internationals.

To donate to Sonny visit www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/just4children/sonnysdreamtowalk.

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Crawley RFC under 13's. Picture: Steve RobardsCrawley RFC under 13's. Picture: Steve Robards
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