Fitness classes for life-changing funds

Joshua Granger (9), from Barrhead, was diagnosed with a rare form of cerebral palsy at the age of one.

The condition means that he struggles to walk thanks to ankle support splints, and he receives injections to his legs every three months — without anaesthetic.

Mum Ashley (26) has launched charity appeal Joshua’s Wish to Walk, raising £50,000 for a trip to America and surgery which she believes will improve her son’s quality of life — and fulfill his dream of playing football with the other boys at St Marnock’s primary.

The operation — at St Louis children’s hospital in Missouri — will take four weeks, and include a procedure to lengthen Joshua’s legs.

Joshua, Ashley, partner Craig and daughter Rebbekah (1) have just left for the US, but are still on the fundraising trail from a distance — for Joshua and to help other children in similar positions.

She explained: “This is by no means a cure for Joshua’s cerebral palsy, but it’s a treatment that will transform his life.

“People have been fantastic raising funds — it’s amazing how communities pull together in times of need.

“I can’t believe that people I don’t know are doing everything they can to help Joshua, and I can’t thank them enough.”

Newton Mearns fitness instructor Margaret Kyle — Ashley’s own instructor — hopes to give the cause a boost this Sunday (December 1), with a fundraising fitness day at Fraser Hall (located at the Retail Trust on Crookfur Road).

Margaret will be joined by fellow instructors Yasmin Taylor, also from Newton Mearns, Susan McGregor, from Pollok and Joanne Davidson, from Dumbarton, for kettlercise, pilates, zumba, resistance toning and powerhoop — tailored to all abilities.

There are freebies and weight loss tips galore to be had from 12-3pm — and all for a good cause.

To find out more, call Margaret on 07780977740.