A SIX-year-old who was paralysed from the waist down is set to travel more than 20 kilometres by wheelchair, walking frame and cycling on a trike.

Oscar Arnold, from Ilminster, has challenged himself to complete the distance independently by the end of this month, and is raise cash for charity at the same time.

When Oscar was four, he contracted acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare disease that affects the spinal cord and left him paralysed from the waist down.

But now, thanks to treatments from Neurokinex, a specialist spinal cord rehabilitation facility, Oscar is able to take on this challenge.

His mum Nikki said: “Oscar spent six months at Bristol Children’s hospital and was discharged by the team at Stoke Mandeville, it was their team who suggested we try Neurokinex.

“Right from our first session we simply couldn’t have been more impressed with the team and the services they offer.

“When Oscar started, he could barely push his trike and now he’s taking on this challenge.

“Over a year on and it’s a vital part of his rehabilitation: I honestly don’t know where we would be if we hadn’t found Neurokinex and been referred to its Newly Injured Scheme.

“It’s made such a huge difference, and even though it takes us over an hour to get to the facility we simply couldn’t do without their services.”

Sadly, the Newly Injured Scheme, which costs £420 per person, is under threat as loss of income during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This means the Neurokinex Charitable Trust can’t afford to fund the programme after lockdown.

To try and save the scheme, the charity launched its Step Up Appeal to raise £25,000 to safeguard these services.

All funds that Oscar raises will go towards the appeal, and he is being joined on the 20km by his two-year-old sister Edie Nikki added: “Everyone at Neurokinex has been so fantastic with Oscar and helping us as family with his recovery.

“Oscar really loves how fun and interactive they make the sessions, so we want to give something back and ensure we can help other families who might need this service.”

To donate to Oscar’s challenge, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/nikki-arnold