FAMILY and friends of a tragic 10-year-old Charlton supporter held a walk around the club’s ground, raising money for the charity which gave him his happiest times.
Tom Warren, a cerebral palsy sufferer, died in 2008 following complications with a hip operation.
On Sunday, mum Jane Warren organised the third Walk for Tom event at Charlton’s The Valley, raising cash for Charlton Park Riding for the Disabled Association.
She was joined by around 100 people at The Valley, including pupils and staff from Greenwich peninsula’s Millennium primary school, which Tom used to attend.
After walking 20 laps of the ground, balloons were let off in the car park before a visit to meet the horse and volunteers of the Charlton park association.
Mrs Warren, 36, of Park Drive, said: “This reflects Tom’s love for Charlton.
“We try and take as much good as we can out of this event. Obviously it’s a bit bittersweet.
“But it’s to celebrate his life and how he’s touched so many people. We don’t want to forget him.”
Tom was born 10 weeks early, along with twin sister Megan, which led to him developing cerebral palsy - a condition which left him unable to walk.
Growing up, he would visit the association every Tuesday, riding his favourite horse Honey.
Based in Charlton Park Road, the charity provides horse riding sessions and stable management activities for children with disabilities.
Mrs Warren, who has raised £1,950 so far, said: “He lived for it. That was his happiest time of the week.”
She added: “He was mad, bubbly, happy and always laughing. He loved telling filthy jokes.
“Tom loved his football, his music and his horses.”
To donate visit justgiving.com/walk-for-tom
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