Fundraising superstar 10-month-old George McLeod and his family will be swapping road for river when they climb aboard the Shrewsbury’s Sabrina boat this weekend.

George, and his parents Mark and Natalie, will be helping to captain two Sabrina boat trips on Sunday September 8^th at 11am and midday. They’ll be raisings awareness and funds for our families as a thank you for the care and support we've offered them since George was two months old.

Passengers will be able to meet George and family who are taking part in a challenge to walk the 1,084-mile distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Team McLeod hope to complete the challenge before George’s first birthday on November 4^th, and have raised more than £3,000 already. Donations have come from all over the UK, including from comedian Jason Manford and his fans.

Sponsor George's walking challenge

The family have already walked more than 600 of the 1,084-mile challenge, experiencing adventures on the way. This is the first time they’ve taken to the water.

After the usual Sabrina safety briefing, the captain will hand over the mic to Mark, Natalie and baby George to share their story.

Dad Mark, says: "George was born in November 2023 via emergency c-section. A scan of his brain at six days old showed damage likely to lead to severe motor and cognitive impairments. George cannot feed, is partially blind and experiences seizures. Managing his medical needs and pain relief is a round-the-clock job. Hope House have been there for us to help in so many ways, including for respite and sympton management. We're very proud to be part of the Hope House family."

Team McLeod have been walking seven to eight miles a day, taking in sights and experiences of Shropshire and further afield.

As well as raising money and awareness, George’s parents are creating precious memories along the way. George has been guest of honour at Hope House Cycle Challenge, taken a train trip on the Severn Valley Railway, and was a caddy on a charity golf day.

The Sabrina’s Marketing and Reservations Manager Sophie Ritchings said they were delighted to be part of George’s challenge.

She said: “It was my mum, Liz, who first suggested we could do something, when she saw a story about Jason Manford supporting George’s fundraiser.

“A trip on the Sabrina won’t clock up very many miles for him, but I thought he probably hadn’t been on the water yet.

“I suggested it to my boss Dilwyn Jones, and he agreed it would be a pleasure to support George and his family.

“We hope to have many visitors come along for our 11am and midday trips, and would suggest booking in advance to guarantee a seat.”

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