The streets of Woodford were splashed with purple as 330 came out to support Haven House Children’s Hospice at its Sparkle Walk.
Rocky Myles, who receives respite care from Haven House, was one of the youngest taking part in the annual fundraiser — cheered on by his brother Jenson, dad Rob, grandma Janet, aunt Karen and even his pet dog Reggie.
He completed the 10km route with his mum Clare, crossing the finish line with a smile.
Rocky has a rare syndrome and has spent much of his early life in and out of hospital.
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His condition means every milestone is celebrated, especially walking which doctors once said might never happen.
Rocky went through months of physiotherapy and took his first steps just recently on his dad’s birthday.
He is in a wheelchair for long distances — but on that Friday night walked the final stretch and captured the hearts of everyone watching.
“Rocky just wanted to be in it,” mum Clare said. “Seeing Rocky take his steps cheered on by so many people is something I’ll never forget.”
Haven House has been “a lifeline” to the Myles family, from Loughton.
The Sparkle Walk raises funds to help keep the hospice running because NHS funds cover only a fraction of its costs.
It has raised more than £30,000, with donations still coming in.
Fundraising manager Sophie Bragg said: “Seeing Rocky take his steps reminded us why we do what we do and how much can be achieved when the community comes together.”
Each walker in their Haven House purple T-shirt shared one purpose – to support the children and families cared for by the hospice.
They included the Saparavicius family from Woodford — mum Ramune, dad Rytis and their three children, Rebecca, 9, Richard, 8, and Raymond, 6.
Ramune, whose family have raised more than £700 so far, said: “Every step helps support families facing the challenges of a child with a serious illness.”
The walk began at Woodford Rugby Club where warm-up performances by Woodford’s Dance 21 group and the Wanstead Rock choir set the tone.
It was kicked off by Waltham Forest mayor Tony Bell.
Well-wishers can register an interest for the 2026 Sparkle Walk next June on the havenhouse.org.uk website.
