A grateful dad whose son is facing major surgery is undertaking a 100k fund raising walk to thank the skilled people who helped and supported his family.

Anthony Mackey and his wife Marianne, of Alma Road, Eton Wick realised quickly that something was wrong with baby Teo.

He was diagnosed with Sagittal Craniosynostosis - a rare condition that means the plates in his head had fused too early, restricting its ability to grow in the normal way and putting him at risk of a number of serious complications.

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He is eight months now and the necessary surgery cannot be safely done until he is 18 months.

Anthony, 39, who is an acting coach with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, said: "The team at John Radcliffe hospital were fantastic, as were a small but amazing charity Headlines.

"They have already supported us in trying to understand such a little known condition, giving us info about what lies ahead and even how to explain what will happen to Téo to his big brother Tom.

"I wanted to do something to stop feeling so helpless and to help give back what was being given to us.

"So, after spending a lot of time walking with Téo to get him to nap, my wife Marianne suggested that I do a walk to raise money and awareness. It started as a joke but, a few 10k walks later it turned into an idea for a 100k, 24 hour walk along the River Thames from Putney to Henley."

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He will be joined at Putney by his three brothers and five friends on Saturday, walking non-stop until they reach their destination.

Money raised will go towards the Headlines Craniofacial Support Group, Cranio Ribbons which makes personalised toys for sick children and the Ronald McDonald House at John Radcliffe Hospital where parents of sick children can stay.

Anthony and his team have already raised £6,000 before they even start the walk.

Anthony said: "Teo is such a happy child, always laughing and with a big smile. But when he is in a mood you know something is wrong and he has difficulty sleeping because the back of his head."

Doctors hope the operation will do the trick. But now the family must wait patiently until Teo is old enough for it to be safely done.

You can support the walk by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/team/100kfortaytay or https://www.gofundme.com/f/walking-100k-for-tay-tay