THE parents of a boy who suffers from cerebral palsy are taking the plunge to raise money for a charity which supports their son.

Carl and Johanne Arnott, from Bishop Middleham, County Durham, are taking part in the Great North Swim, in Lake Windermere, Cumbria, on June 10, in aid of the Durham-based Heel and Toe charity, which has helped their quadriplegic nine-year-old son, Alex, since he was a baby.

The couple, who also have daughters Mae, aged eight, and Phoebe, aged four, are also taking part in the Great North Run, in September, with 13 other family and friends under the group name Team Alex.

Mr Arnott is also going to push Alex in his wheelchair around the route of the Junior Great North Run, the day before the main run.

Alex, who is a pupil at the Evergreen Primary School, in Bishop Auckland, receives conductive education at Heel and Toe every week, which is a system specially developed to help children with motor disorders such as cerebral palsy.

For Alex, the initiative is focusing on helping him to communicate.

Mrs Arnott said: “Alex loves the conductive education and has a one-to-one session every week.

“It is all free, we have never been asked for any money.”

Mr Arnott added: “Heel and Toe stand out as being a really well run charity and very well put together.

"I am really looking forward to it, I relish a challenge.”

To sponsor Team Alex, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlexArnott.