A BRAVE boy who doctors said would never walk has joined family and friends on a stroll to raise money for the hospital and charity that cared for him.

Jake Stacey was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a condition which affects the nerves of the spinal cord and interferes with the link between the brain and the muscles, in 2008.

He now uses leg braces and a walking frame to get around.

The determined four-year-old was able to join the walk around Canvey’s sea wall in his wheelchair to raise cash for Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, and the Jennifer Trust for spinal muscular atrophy.

Proud mum Lora Stacey, 29, of Springfield Road, Canvey, said the event raised about £1,500.

She added: “It went really well today with a great turnout. It’s been a great day. Jake has just started using crutches now. He is really getting there and is doing very well. I’m so proud of him.”

She thanked the Castle Point Transport Museum and Canvey Island football club for their help with the walk, as well as everyone who donated raffle prizes.