When Luke Charles was born with a rare chromosome disorder - 49 4XY - doctors told his parents he would probably never walk.

Now two-and-a-half, the brave little boy has proved everyone wrong, walking a mile in a Mini Marathon Challenge at the weekend to help raise funds for his Silver End playgroup.

This week his mother, Sonia, 28, of Francis Way, Silver End, spoke of her joy at Luke's progress.

"He was a very poorly baby, the whole picture was very bleak and we felt like giving up."

With the support of husband Gary, 30, and the couple's other children, Michael, seven, and Emma, three, "we decided to be a normal family and bring Luke along within it," she said.

In January this year Luke, who doctors predicted would be physically and mentally disabled, got up and walked.

Sonia said: "I couldn't believe it. He's such a determined little boy, very stubborn."

Luke's marathon challenge has raised over £350 for the Silver End Community Association playgroup. It was a proud moment for Sonia who believed her son would never be able to attend mainstream school.

"When we finished the walk everyone was cheering. Luke was very proud of himself.

"He did the walk all by himself, we didn't have to pick him up once. Walking a mile for charity would be an achievement for any child, but especially for Luke. We are so proud of him."

Brave Luke Charles, pictured right, at home on his slide after his Mini Marathon Challenge.

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