Italyabroad.com is Taking Great Strides to Help Ben Walk

Aug. 9, 2010 - PRLog -- Leeds, United Kingdom, 9th August 2010 – Over the next three weeks, Italyabroad.com will be donating 10% of all online proceeds to Ben’s Wish to Walk, a charity organisation dedicated to raising over £45,000. The money will fund a progressive surgery intended to lessen the symptoms of Ben Smithson’s Cerebral Palsy.

Ben, an Ilkley native, is only eight years old. He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two and is confined to sticks and a walker for mobility. He can only manage a few steps unaided. Recently, Ben was approved as a candidate for an innovative surgery only available in The United States. The operation would provide Ben with the independence necessary to navigate through grammar school, university and other daily activities. The surgery is scheduled to occur in St. Louis, Missouri in January. With only six months to raise over £45,000 for the surgery, the Smithson family has quite a large monetary obstacle to overcome.

Hope, determination and united community efforts have already aided Ben’s Wish to Walk in raising over £18,000. However, the charity faces a looming deadline. Community members continue to be a valuable resource, hosting numerous fundraising events.

Italyabroad.com, a Leeds based company, has made great efforts in donating company time and resources to Ben’s Wish to Walk. Italyabraod.com specialises in importing authentic Italian food and wine from small, passionate producers and offers wine tours, wine tastings and other corporate events.

Andrea D’Ercole, managing director at Italyabroad.com, explains the importance of supporting Ben’s Wish to Walk.

‘When you live and work in a small community like this, it’s important to give back to the people around you. You’re in it together. Ben’s story is quite inspirational. He is a brave boy. He deserves the best, and I will do all that I can to help out.’

In addition to donating 10% of all online proceeds, Italyabroad.com will be sponsoring Cafe Marinetti’s August 30th fund raising event by providing authentic Italian wine and food for auction.

To place an order at Italyabroad.com and make your contribution to Ben, simply visit www.italyabroad.com or call 08452 694324.