PARENTS are known for doing anything for their children but a mum and dad from Thornbury are preparing to walk over hot coals to help their three-year-old son who suffers from arthritis.
Matthew Hall was just 18 months old when he was diagnosed with children's arthritis - otherwise known as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
His mother Lindsey Hall, 35, said: "Matthew copes with it very well. Sadly he hasn't really known any different, but he is used to the blood tests and weekly injections.
"Since he was 18 months old he has been heavily involved in medication and we have very regular appointments at Bristol Children's Hospital, Bristol Eye Hospital and the BRI. Matthew is always being poked and prodded."
Children's arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the elbow, wrist, ankle and knee.
The condition, though thought to be rare, affects one in every 1,000 children, making it as common as childhood diabetes.
Mrs Hall added: "At the moment Matthew is up and down. Unfortunately they don't know what causes juvenile arthritis so the medication is a bit hit and miss and they just haven't got it right yet for Matthew.
"He can have flare ups for no reason and sometimes his whole body will become inflamed. But on a day to day basis to look at him you wouldn't know anything was wrong."
The brave toddler is currently on a course of steroids and a medication called Methotrexate, which is meant to reduce pain and swelling.
Sadly for Matthew the medication he is on is not working and Mrs Hall, who works as a waitress at Eastwood Park, and husband Jeremy, 32, a civil servant, who live in Eastland Road, are keen to fundraise so other treatments might be found.
In support of the Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) this Sunday, Mr and Mrs Hall will be walking five metres over hot coals to raise money for the Noddy ARC appeal, which focuses on children's arthritis, and the Thornbury Severnside Opportunity Group.
"Me and my husband try to do something each year for a charity. We've abseiled down the Avon Gorge before now to raise money for Southmead's neo-natal unit.
"But this year we are raising money for the Noddy ARC appeal which helps research arthritis in children and provides information to help support the families.
"We will also split the money with the Thornbury Severnside Opportunity Group, which Matthew goes to," said Mrs Hall.
The firewalk will be taking place at Eastwood Park on Sunday.
To sponsor Lindsey or Jeremy Hall visit www.justgiving.com/lindseyhall.
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