Scooting around Stafford - all to help Henry, 3, have life-changing operation

Le Tour de Stafford was set up by a few friends from university back in 2010, who all shared a passion for sports.

Each year since then they have chosen a different charity and set about on various challenges in order to raise as much money as possible for each cause.

For 2018 the team has chosen to support charity 'Stop Being Tight' to help three-year-old Henry Gibbs from Stafford, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Henry's family, from Trinity Fields, are on a mission to raise £50,000 which will allow their little lad to undergo a life-changing operation to help him walk.

Mum Kerrie, 30, said: "We've raised £37,000 since July and it's just fantastic to have been chosen for this too.

"I know a few of the guys taking part already but we never thought they would have to fundraise for us. It's so great. There are so many worthwhile causes out there, we're just so glad they did it for us."

Henry was born prematurely at 28 weeks in 2014, weighing just two pounds and 14 ounces, and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of two.

His legs have increased muscle tone, causing muscle stiffness and co-ordination problems, which has left him unable to stand or walk independently.

The disease does not yet have a cure, and Henry will need a wheelchair for the rest of his life if he does not undergo an operation to permanently remove spasticity in the legs.

Kerrie, a dental nurse, added: "You can't have it on the NHS - they do offer some treatments like Botox but you have to have them once a year and over time they lose their effect.

"I don't think Henry fully understands what's going on but when he's older we'll be so happy to tell him about everything people have done for him."

Dad Jacob, 29, will be running the Manchester Marathon in March to further boost funds, and a charity ball is being held at Tillington Hall Hotel.

Le Tour de Stafford VII started on Saturday at the Wildwood pub. Kitted out in hi-vis lycra and bike helmets, the average passer-by would be forgiven for thinking the members were serious cyclists.

But each person had a micro scooter, or child's bike, as their transport, and set off at lunchtime on a five-mile pub crawl.

The team stopped at eight pubs in total, and finished at the Bear & Pheasant in the evening.

Visit stopbeingtight.co.uk to read more about Henry's story or go to justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/just4children/stopbeingtight to donate.