A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy who learnt to walk three weeks ago is taking on a sponsored walk for his school.

Alfie Jak Hamer, who was born with Down's Syndrome and epilepsy, will help to raise £2million for a specialist sports hall at his Haslingden school.

His mum Michelle Hamer, from Huncoat, said it would be 'the best feeling in the world' to see him accomplish the challenge after the family waited more than four years for Alfie to find his feet.

The youngster was able to crawl and pull himself up using furniture, but showed no sign of walking until three weeks ago.

Alfie will now undertake 'Two Million Steps to our Sports Hall' to raise funds for the sports hall at Tor View Special School and help upgrade the therapy pool and physiotherapy suite for the school's 160 pupils.

Alfie will walk between Whitworth and Tor View Community Special School alongside other pupils, students, staff and teachers at the school.

Mrs Hamer said: "Alfie has an extra chromosome and he had open heart surgery when he was three-years-old.

"Unfortunately for us, he also had epilepsy as well, which is the main thing affecting his walking.

"It is a fantastic idea to raise money for this cause and we hope it will pull on a few heart strings.

"I think Alfie will struggle, but I think with our support, his teachers' help and a few sit-downs, he will do an amazing job.

"It will be the best thing in the world if he manages it because we have waited nearly five years for him to walk.

"We didn't know how long we would have to wait so it took perseverance and patience."

Alfie's parents have taken him to physiotherapy sessions and used equipment to help him develop the strength in his muscles.

Up to twice weekly, he has also used the hydrotherapy pool at Tow View School, in Clod Lane, which he will attend until he is 18.

On Thursday, July 7 his mum and dad Carl Hamer, will walk alongside him on his way to school.

In two days, the youngster has been donated £180 in sponsor money for the new facilities.

Andy Squire, principal at Tor View School, said: "We are the only school catering for secondary age pupils in Rossendale without a quality sports hall.

"Our children and young adults already do well in this area but we feel strongly that we should strive to secure the best facilities possible.

"In parallel to our fundraising efforts through sponsorship and crowd funding we will be seeking to apply to other funding sources and most importantly the Department for Education."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/friendsoftorview.