New Hall School in Chelmsford is proud to celebrate the achievement of siblings Leo Walsh, Year 8, and Henry Walsh, Year 10, from Nayland, who completed a remarkable 40-mile charity walk from Little Baddow to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) on Saturday 20 June 2026. Β Their walk raised funds and awareness for Epilepsy Action and Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, following Leo’s epilepsy diagnosis, subsequent surgery and recovery.
The challenge was inspired by Leoβs extraordinary journey over the last 18 months.Β His life changed dramatically in December 2024, when he suffered his first tonic-clonic seizure. After months of specialist care, Leo underwent brain surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital on 13 December 2025, exactly one year after his first seizure, to remove a tumour.
Leo and Henry, along with their parents, undertook the 40-mile charity walk in order to thank the organisations that had supported their family and to raise awareness of epilepsy, which affects around one in every 100 people in the UK. The familyβs charity walk has so far raised Β£14,156, helping to ensure that other children continue to benefit from the life-changing care, treatment and support provided by Great Ormond Street Hospital and Epilepsy Action.
Mrs Katherine Jeffrey, Principal of New Hall School, said: “We are incredibly proud of Leo and Henry for completing this inspiring challenge. Their determination is truly commendable. Turning such a difficult personal experience into an opportunity to support others is an extraordinary achievement and reflects the compassion and strength of character we value so highly at New Hall. We congratulate them both on this remarkable accomplishment.Β I hope their story helps to raise greater awareness of epilepsy and the work of Great Ormond Street Hospital and Epilepsy Action.Β I am delighted to have supported their fundraising endeavours, currently totalling Β£14,156.”
Reflecting on the challenge, Lucy Walsh said: “Completing the walk was an incredibly emotional experience for all of us and it gave us the opportunity to celebrate just how far Leo has come. When we first planned the challenge, we never imagined he would be able to take part, but just six months after brain surgery and now six months seizure-free, he completed the entire walk. It was a wonderful way to mark this milestone while also saying thank you to everyone who supported us through one of the most difficult periods of our lives. It has been a long journey, but we finally have our happy, energetic boy back. We are so thankful to Epilepsy Action for their guidance and support, and to Great Ormond Street Hospital for their incredible care during Leoβs treatment. We hope the money we have raised will make a difference to other families and encourage more people to understand epilepsy and the impact it can have.”
Donations can still be made via the GoFundMe page.
