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FOUR MONTHS OF ENDURANCE WORK MEANS KENNY CAN WALK PART OF DERBY'S FUN RUN

When Kenny Fradley crosses the finish line of Sunday's Derby fun run it will be the culmination of one of the greatest battles of his life.

For four months he has built up muscle in his legs to an extent that even his father thought was impossible.

Kenny, 23, was born with cerebral palsy and has been confined to a wheelchair since he was a small child.

Until now, he has only been able to stand uneasily and take a few stilted steps.

But Kenny is made of determined stuff.

Before he dreamed of taking part in the fun run, he was a regular at Derby College's gym, where Steve Powell is manager.

Kenny was busy building up his upper body strength at the gym but his ultimate goal had always been to walk. In January, with the help of Steve, he started training his legs.

His programme involved using a large inflatable exercise ball to improve his balance and stomach, back and abdominal muscles, as well as work on a treadmill.

Helped by the staff at the gym, including Steve, fitness instructor Kirk Gibbons and physiotherapist Simon Scott, Kenny was soon able to take more than a few steps.

Once he could do that, Kenny, of Westbourne Park, Mackworth, and Steve decided he needed a new challenge. They decided to enter the fun run.

Kenny does not describe his achievements as a miracle but a result of a lot of hard work.

"It's not been easy. It's taken a strict training regime. We do a lot of strength, endurance and stamina work," he said.

And Steve, who played for the Rams between 1971 and 1985, agrees.

"We haven't done anything really, Kenny has done all the work," he said. "We just showed him how to do it and, because he's determined and does not give anything up, he has done fantastically well."

At the gym in Mackworth, Kenny has recently walked a previously unthinkable 1,500 metres on a treadmill.

But he has no intention of stopping there.

He said: "There is still a long way to go. I am nowhere near where I want to be yet."

Steve will be pushing Kenny in his wheelchair for most of the race but Kenny will be walking the last part around Pride Park Stadium.

Steve will be helping Kenny by holding on to a support belt that Kenny wears around his waist. But both agree Kenny has made huge advances since starting at the gym.

"I have always been able to stand up and walk a few steps but only in a fashion," said Kenny.

"It was nothing compared to what I can do now."

Physio Simon, who works part-time for the NHS and treats private patients at Derby College, said: "It took a lot of hard work on Kenny's part. He is the only one who can take any credit for it really.

"I think medically he was told that a few steps was as far as he was going to get but he has proved everybody wrong.

"It's a phenomenal achievement and he has exceeded all our expectations."

The gym in Prince Charles Avenue is an Inclusion Fitness Initiative, meaning staff have been trained to work with disabled people.

The gym has also been specially adapted for wheelchair users.

Kenny said he was grateful for the help and support of everyone at the gym.

"They've been a massive help," he said.

Kenny's dad, Ken, is also facing a big challenge on Sunday, when he will take part in the 10km race.

Mr Fradley senior, who only started running in January, used to weigh 17 stone but has shed two stone since he started training.

"Everyone said I'd got no chance so I wanted to prove them wrong," said the 48-year-old gardener.

"I am really excited and I can't wait for the day now."

Ken said he was grateful to the team at the gym for helping Kenny.

"What they've done with him is just amazing," he said.

"He just loves going to the gym and it has just totally changed his life. We never thought he would be able to do it. We are really proud."

Caroline Dolan, from national support charity Cerebral Palsy Sport, said: "Participating in sport and recreation makes a significant difference to the quality of life of people with cerebral palsy.

"Not only can it help improve muscle control, mobility and fitness, it has a huge impact on mental well-being.

"I have heard many stories from members of Cerebral Palsy Sport who have felt marginalised from society as a result of their disability.

"By taking part in sporting events, members of Cerebral Palsy Sport dramatically improve their self-confidence and the charity's events give members the opportunity to talk to other people who understand their difficulties, helping to build life-long friendships."

Source - Derbyshire Evening Telegraph

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