Jon Moore, a former serviceman from Bedlington, Northumberland, is planning a series of endurance challenges to raise funds for causes close to his heart after his son JJ, who has cerebral palsy, benefited from a specialist device.
JJ, now 8, was diagnosed with the condition at birth and has lived with a range of medical complications, including being prone to chest infections, scarring on his lungs, and a range of disabilities. Last year, the family raised almost £30,000 to pay for the Innowalk, a specialist device that helps JJ "walk" several miles a couple of times a week.
Over 30 Operations and a Family's Determination
Jon told ChronicleLive: "I just thought that next year, we'll go bigger. JJ is doing alright. He's up to over 30 operations now."
He added: "Obviously we have spoken about JJ's story. He has lived with cerebral palsy since birth. Him not being able to walk makes me want to push my body through whatever I can - and Cerebral Palsy Scotland have done such a lot for JJ. Currently he's up to 32 operations, but that may be 33 next year."
The family moved to Bedlington in 2021. Previously, when fundraising for the Innowalk device, JJ's mum Nicole Dodd-Moore told ChronicleLive how an anonymous £10,000 donation had left her in tears.
Challenges Planned for 2027
Jon has three major challenges planned for summer and autumn 2027 in aid of Cerebral Palsy Scotland: the Borders Ultra Challenge in August, the APEX Everest Challenge in September, and the ABC Ben Nevis challenge in October. He is looking to raise £15,000 through these events, but he also has plans to take on challenges for other charities in the run-up to that, including heading to Hedgehope Hill in North Northumberland this weekend.
Speaking about the partnership with Cerebral Palsy Scotland, Jon said: "This is a cause that is particularly close to my heart. I have seen first-hand the challenges that families affected by cerebral palsy can face, and I want to use my own endurance challenges to help make a difference."
He continued: "As a father, I understand that cerebral palsy affects far more than the individual diagnosis. It impacts families, daily life and the future we hope to build for our children. That is what drives me to keep pushing myself physically and mentally."
Jon, a former Armed Forces serviceman, added: "I’ve always believed in determination, resilience and continuing when things become difficult. I’m now putting those values into endurance challenges that have a purpose beyond myself."
