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Fundraiser launched to help Starbeck boy take his first independent steps

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 07:35

A campaign has been launched to support 22-month-old Kai.

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help a Starbeck boy access specialist physiotherapy and help him take his first steps.

1-year-old Kai Macgregor, from Starbeck, lives with a number of neurological and developmental conditions, including cerebellar hypoplasia, ataxia, profound hearing loss, vision challenges, hypermobility and low muscle tone.

His family say this affects his balance, coordination and communication, but despite this, he “never stops trying”.

The GoFundMe page was created by Kai’s mum, Angela Rodriguez, who said she and her partner, Jamie, are determined to give their son every opportunity to progress.

They’re hoping to raise £4,000 to fund several blocks of Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) therapy - a highly specialised physiotherapy approach designed for children with neurological conditions.

The therapy aims to help build new brain pathways to improve balance, strength and motor control.

DMI therapy is not available on the NHS, and each intensive block costs around £1,000.

Angela said:

“Kai has shown us time and time again that he has the determination. Now we want to give him the opportunity.

“Every single pound will go directly towards Kai’s therapy, helping him develop the strength, stability and confidence he needs to stand and eventually walk.”

She added that donations of any size would make a difference, and that sharing Kai’s story would also be a huge help.

The GoFundMe campaign has raised £2,851 towards its £4,000 goal at the time of publication.

Find the fundraising page and donate here.

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