‘Movember’ sees Accrington Stanley groundsman help boys with rare genetic illness

ACCRINGTON Stanley groundsman Martyn Cook has joined millions of men taking part in Movember, but not for the reason you might think.

Martyn has pledged to grow his moustache this month to raise money for a vital cause closer to home - helping two boys with a rare genetic condition from Rawtenstall. Lewis Greenwood, three, and brother Max, two, have been diagnosed with Cohen Syndrome, which affects less than 1,000 people worldwide.

The life-long condition causes developmental delay and learning difficulties, and mobility and vision difficulties. Their parents, Donna and Luke Greenwood, are building a therapy unit at the family home and any money their friend Martyn - best known as Buzzer - raises will go towards helping with the costs, as well as special toys for the boys.

Donna, 35, said: "Both our boys are non-verbal but Lewis has learned basic sign language so he can communicate with us for needs such as a drink and food. Both have low muscle tone and over flexible joints which make it difficult for them to crawl and walk and they attend a therapy nursery twice a week so they can have their physiotherapy and occupational therapy."

"Recently Lewis has just learned to take some unaided steps and Max has learned to crawl too. They are so determined to do the same as Max's twin sister, Eva, who does not have the condition. She often rallies them along. Max and Lewis are so affectionate and loving that they bring us all such joy. They are loved by everyone who knows them and always have a ready smile for everyone they meet."

Other symptoms of Cohen Syndrome is retinal dystrophy - Lewis has already been diagnosed with this and, in May this year, he was registered blind.

For the full article from Lancashire Telegraph click here.