Worthing boy with spina bifida follows in Captain Tom Moore's footsteps to raise money for NHS

A boy from Worthing with spina bifida has followed in the footsteps of Captain Tom Moore to raise money for the NHS.
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Harry Ragless usually spends 80 per cent of his time in a wheelchair due to his condition, which means his spine did not form properly in the womb and he has neurological damage to his legs and back and cannot feel his feet.

But inspired by the 99-year-old war veteran's efforts, which have seen him raise more than £20million for the NHS, Harry decided to raise money by walking with his frame and leg supports.

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The determined six-year-old from Oaksheath Gardens in Durrington has raised £1,200 and rising within three days of his parents launching a fundraising page for his efforts - smashing his £100 target.

Harry Ragless has been raising money by going for walksHarry Ragless has been raising money by going for walks
Harry Ragless has been raising money by going for walks

He said: "I feel really good.

"I was shocked."

His proud mother Selina Ragless said: "He has shocked us all. Because of his condition he tires easily but the other day he walked from our house to Vancouver Road, which is really far for him.

"We couldn't believe it."

Harry Ragless has been raising money by going for walksHarry Ragless has been raising money by going for walks
Harry Ragless has been raising money by going for walks

As word of his exploits spread, Selina said people were coming out of their homes to applaud Harry, who attends West Park School in Marlborough Road, Goring, when he went out for a walk.

She said: "I feel overwhelmed to be honest. We owe the NHS so much; they have been there for him since he was born and will be there for him for the rest of his life. If we can give something back, that is all we want."

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In fact, Harry's exploits grabbed the attention of Captain Tom himself - and his picture was featured on the Second World War veteran's Instagram page.

Fundraising runs in the family - because Harry's dad Steve has also raised money for Sussex Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, the charity that has supported his son, in an unusual way: by dressing up in his Star Wars stormtrooper outfit.

Harry Ragless has been raising money by going for walks with his familyHarry Ragless has been raising money by going for walks with his family
Harry Ragless has been raising money by going for walks with his family

He recently has brought smiles to his neighbours by wearing it on the family's daily walks.When asked if there was anything he wanted to say to the people who have donated so far, Harry said: "Thank you."

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