I'm walking from Brighton to Blackpool in support of my late best friend's grandson

A determined charity effort is being launched on Monday to support a five-year-old Fylde coast boy who has been diagnosed with a devastating terminal condition.

Bobby Parkin, from Great Eccleston, has MPS III (Sanfilippo syndrome), which is often described as “childhood dementia.”

While Bobby’s mum Sophie Lowe was still coming to terms with her son’s condition, his grandad Alan Lowe, with whom Bobby was very close, died suddenly earlier this year - and now Alan’s best friend Andreas Tzannes-Kastritis - Kass for short - is taking to the road in support of Bobby.

Kass, who became mates with Alan when living in Blackpool in the 1990s, is now based in Brighton and intends to walk the 300-mile distance between the two resorts, starting on Monday and projected to take three and a half weeks.

Sophie, who grew up in Bispham, intends to meet him then outside Blackpool Tower, and hopes the walk will provide a major boost to the Just Giving fundraiser she has set up, with a £5,000 target, in support of her son.

“The money raised will help with Bobby’s care and the many additional needs that come with living with Sanfilippo syndrome,” said Sophie.

“As his condition progresses, his needs become increasingly complex, and the financial pressures can be overwhelming.

“The funds will help us provide specialist care, equipment, activities, experiences and support to make Bobby’s life as comfortable, fulfilling and joyful as possible.

“We can’t change Bobby’s diagnosis, we can’t take away the illness and we can’t bring my dad back, but we can surround Bobby with love.

“We can create precious memories, we can give him experiences, comfort and opportunities to enjoy the life he has and we can make sure that his grandad’s love continues to live on through him.

“I truly believe my dad would have been incredibly proud of this challenge. He would have been cheering on Kass from the sidelines, probably telling his best mate he was completely mad for attempting it — but secretly bursting with pride.

“My dad and Bobby shared an incredibly special bond. Bobby absolutely idolised his grandad. He was his world, his safe place, his hero.

“Their relationship was something truly beautiful to witness, and losing my dad has left a huge hole in all of our lives — especially Bobby’s who still calls his name most days.

“Now, one of my dad’s closest friends is doing something extraordinary in honour of Bobby — and, in many ways, carrying a little piece of my dad’s love forward with him.

“It’s also a way of turning unimaginable sadness into something positive — something that can help Bobby live the happiest and most comfortable life possible.”

Details of how to donate are at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sophie-lowe-4