Alfie plans to test his strength on the Hike for Hope

It would seem a straightforward challenge. But a year ago Alfie, from Wem, had to use crutches to get around and his wheelchair for anything further than short distances.

The 14-year old was diagnosed with an aggressive bone cancer in 2018 and had almost two years of chemotherapy at Telford Princess Royal and Birmingham Waterfall House hospitals. He also had his lower left leg amputated.

Having been free of cancer for over a year now Alfie has spent lockdown learning to walk again with his prosthetic leg – and get back on his bike – and has set himself a challenge by signing up for the 10-mile walk for Hope House on March 28.

The children's hospice is asking people to do a Hike for Hope in their local area instead of its annual canal walk.

Alfie, a student at Thomas Adams School, said: "A year ago I had to use my crutches to get around and my wheelchair for anything more than short distances. But over the lockdown I’ve been building up my strength again and now I can walk on my prosthetic leg without any crutches and even ride a bike which I love.

"Hope House gave us respite care when I was really ill and do a lot of stuff with us, particularly my little sister Elizabeth, through their support team. They look after really ill kids, and help support their whole family. It costs millions of pounds for them to do this, and although they haven’t been able to open their shops because of the pandemic, children haven’t stopped being ill, so they need to get money from somewhere.

"It’s going to be really hard for me to walk 10 miles, but I will manage it knowing that we are raising money for an important reason. I’m going to walk from Wem to the top of Grinshill and back with my sister Elizabeth, who’s 11, and my dad and grandma. We’d like people to support us by sponsoring our efforts on my dad’s JustGiving page: justgiving.com/fundraising/daniel-rixon1."

Father, Dan, said he was incredibly proud of both his children.

"Alfie is my hero and Elizabeth my star," he said.

"They have both been through such a lot over the last few years and have done so with such determination and support for each other."

"In the summer of 2018 Alfred was diagnosed with an aggressive osteosarcoma and shortly after entered treatment that has dominated our lives for the proceeding years. The commitment he has given to regaining his health and mobility, has amazed everyone including the medical professionals.

"He was so determined to get back on his bike. Holding the back of the bike and pushing him off for the first time was like winding the clock back to when he was a young child.

"We were at Telford hospital last week for his check-up. He remains free of cancer and he doctor said that his rehabilitation has been the most impressive he’s seen in 20 years.

"Hope House has supported Alf, his sister Elizabeth and myself through a very difficult journey and continues to offer support. The work they do with seriously ill and dying children and their families is incredible."