A Chepstow family has been “overwhelmed” by donations for their four-year-old son.

Woody Adams, who has cerebral palsy and a visual impairment, was born in 2011 at 27 weeks, weighing just two pounds and seven ounces.

Following a routine heart operation at just three weeks old, Woody’s brain was starved of oxygen for a period of time which resulted in irreversible brain damage.

The money is being raised for an innovative piece of equipment made in Denmark that could be the next step in assisting Woody in his day-to-day life. The groundbreaking equipment is not funded by the NHS and comes at a cost of nearly £12,000.

Now four years old, Woody requires

constant support to access all aspects of daily life. He is unable to sit, stand, or walk, and has limited communication.

Woody and his family recently went for a trial for the Leckey Innowalk, the equipment designed to help children walk independently. Physiotherapists believe that the Innowalk will be able to give Woody mobile weight bearing which is required for good hip formation, to improve his leg strength and to improve his tone in his legs as well as to give him the regular exercise required for optimum health.

“Because Woody isn’t able to walk, we hope that the Innowalk will increase his strength stimulated by movement,” said mum Sophie.

This equipment is not currently funded by the government and is something that Woody and his family passionately feel will improve his strength and limit the chances of any long term health problems.

“While the NHS fund some equipment such as pushchairs, walkers and standing frames, they do not cover specialist equipment,” added Sophie.

“There’s so much new technology being developed to help children like Woody. We’ve been told how important it is for Woody to keep his strength in his legs and his core, and the Innowalk will really help.”

It has been estimated that the Innowalk would last for seven years before it is necessary to increase the size.

Woody has just started school at Pembroke Primary School, and has got involved, even starting trampolining after classes.

“It’s absolutely brilliant, he loves it,” adds Sophie.

“He doesn’t bounce himself, but exercise like that is brilliant for Woody’s development and really helps to keep him fit.”

Woody and his family have been amazed by the support that friends, family and the community have given.

The majority of the money so far has been raised by Woody’s dad Damian as he ran the Cardiff Half Marathon, raising more than £7000. The charity has also received donations from local businesses and organisations, including the Chepstow Round Table and a group of 16 to 17-year-olds taking part in a Young Gloucestershire National Citizen Award.

The teenagers swam the length of the channel and held a fun day, all in the pursuit of raising money for Woody’s appeal.

“We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by how kind and generous people have been,” said dad Damian.

In addition to raising money for Woody’s appeal, Damian has raised money for charities that are close to the family’s heart, raising money for the Bobath centre by cycling from north to south Wales and raising £4000 for the Sparkle appeal by cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats.

“I felt inspired to give something back to these charities who have done so much for our family,” he adds.

“We didn’t dream that we’d get so much money, especially so quickly. We hoped to maybe raise the money by the middle of next year, but now we’re hoping to have raised enough for the Innowalk by Christmas which is fantastic.”

Once they have raised the money, the fund will stay open to continue to provide support for Woody and his family.

For more information and to donate the the Woody fund, visit www.gofundme.com/thewoodyfund