Stanmore walk to be led by brave youngster

A brave 10-year-old has been selected to start a fundraising walk in Stanmore later this month alongside Olympic gymnast Max Whitlock. When hundreds of walkers line up for the 12^th Buttercup Walk at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital on Sunday, June 8, Alex McCartney, from South West London, will be at the start line. Alex has been named the event’s Buttercup Walk Hero due to his amazing bravery. Alex was admitted to the RNOH after being diagnosed with a bone tumour in his left arm in January this year. While at the RNOH Alex had surgery to remove the affected bone and replace it with a titanium prosthesis. Alex set himself a goal of raising £500 for the hospital, and to date he has raised well over £5,000 thanks to his family and friends. Alex was always a keen sportsman and following his surgery was determined to return to playing his much loved sports. Last week he took his first steps towards that goal, returning to the pool for swimming lessons. Alex said: “It’s really amazing that so many people have helped me raise all this money and I want to thank the doctors and nurses who helped me get better, especially Mr Skinner. I’m very excited to be the Buttercup Walk Hero and it is going to be great to start the Buttercup Walk with an Olympic medallist.” More than 300 people will be attending this year’s Buttercup Walk and a host of family-friendly activities are lined up including children’s rides, live music, delicious food, and a variety of stalls. Rosie Stolarski, Director of Fundraising and Development at The RNOH Charity, added: “Alex is a very brave 10-year-old who is such an inspiration, and has made a remarkable recovery. We are delighted to announce that he has been nominated as this year’s Buttercup Walk Hero.  We are extremely grateful to all his family and friends for sponsoring Alex. The money he has raised will make a real difference to future patients at the RNOH.” Since its launch in 2003, the Buttercup Walk has raised over £350,000 for the RNOH Charity to help improve facilities and patient care at the hospital. Registration for this year’s Buttercup Walk is still open. Entry is free and sign up is available via the RNOH Charity website: http://www.rnohcharity.org/the-buttercup-walk/index. You can also support Alex’s fundraising efforts by donating on his JustGiving page – https://www.justgiving.com/AlexJMcCartney. by Bronwyn Bidwell