Five-year-old Gregor Corse, who was told he would never walk, has raised £80,000 through a walking challenge and won a Pride of Britain award. He appeared on Good Morning Britain on Thursday, October 22, to discuss his achievement.
Defying Doctors' Predictions
Gregor, from Orkney, was born with a brain condition affecting his balance and motor skills. His parents were told he would not walk, but he proved doctors wrong and began a fundraising mission after starting to walk small distances.
He aimed to complete 30 laps around his house daily for 30 consecutive days. The initial goal was to raise £500 for a charity supporting children with additional support needs, but he has raised £80,000.
Pride of Britain Recognition
Gregor received the Good Morning Britain young fundraiser award at this year's Pride of Britain ceremony. He spoke to Ranvir Singh and Richard Madeley about his challenge alongside his mother and presenter Ashley Banjo.
Richard Madeley noted: "What makes it so special is that he was told and his parents were told when he was born that he'd never walk, and he just decided to prove everybody wrong."
Mother's Emotional Response
Gregor's mother, Iona, called the experience an "emotional rollercoaster" and praised her son. She said: "Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected this. I've always been so proud of him, but I never, ever, expected the whole nation to be behind him as well. It's just so heartwarming."
She described Gregor as "a very determined little guy" who first started crawling at around two and a half years old. During a physiotherapy session a year later, the therapist encouraged him to walk between two rooms. Iona said: "It was amazing, I never, ever thought that that moment was going to happen."
Continuing the Challenge
Gregor plans to keep walking to raise even more money. The fundraising idea was his own, stemming from a desire to walk outside like other children. He proposed walking around the perimeter of their home, gripping a wall at the rear if needed and holding Iona's hand at the front.
Gregor told the presenters he intends to display his Pride of Britain Award in his bedroom.
