Successful for walk for Trinity School pupil Ruby Walsh around Vivary Park in Taunton

More than 30 people joined five year old Ruby Walsh, her sister Maisy and mum Christina for the five-mile walk around Vivary Park on Monday, May 29.

It was organised by Theresa Torr, of the Taunton Salvation Army, to buy special aqua covers for Ruby’s implants, meaning she can safely go in the water.

Mum Christina said everyone had made a big effort.

“It was a great day and we’re all exhausted now,” she said.

“More than 30 people turned up and there was a real community feel, there were family and friends who we hadn’t seen in a while.

“My brother even came down from Newcastle and there were some people we didn’t know who also took part.

“We’re so grateful to them.”

When Ruby was nine months old she had implants put in her ears to help her hear, but they aren’t waterproof and have to be taken out if she goes in water.

Mrs Torr wanted to raise funds to buy covers which mean Ruby can wear the implants in the water.

They were hoping to raise £700 but Mrs Walsh thinks that the total raised so far exceeds £1,000.

“I want to thank Theresa for organising this and for making people aware,” she added.

“We’re going to set up a bank account for Ruby and use the money to buy anything she needs for her implants in the future.

“It took us around two hours to complete our laps, we all just took our time and it was really nice as my husband Paul surprised us half way through and finished work early and turned up.

“He was in a giraffe onesie, which the children found hilarious and he did the remaining laps with us, it was lovely.

“Thank you to everyone who took part and who has sponsored us.”

To sponsor Ruby, log on to http://bit.ly/2qjoW6Q