EastEnders and Holby star to join Arundel to Brighton charity walk

The actor, who has decided to take on Billingshurst-based Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity’s Arundel to Brighton 35k challenge walk, revealed his motivation.

He said: “Nearly three years ago, Sebastian Wenn was born to doting parents (and my dear friends) Ann and Byron. 

“When Sebbie was developing, it became very apparent that, despite his mischievous twinkle and wicked sense of humour, he was making less progress with speech and movement than other children of his age.”

Sebastian was officially diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia, the most severe form of cerebral palsy.

Marc said: “It has become only too clear that the ongoing challenges and difficulties faced by both Sebbie and his parents are huge.

“Having witnessed this first hand through my courageous friend, I feel I can say with some surety how physically demanding, emotionally exhausting and at some times deeply isolating caring for a child with cerebral palsy can be.”

“The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity is so important to parents like Ann and Byron and invaluable to children like Sebbie because it provides sessions to help with education and development, it raises awareness of cerebral palsy and most importantly it offers support, respite and a network and community for carers.

“The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s a wonderful and essential charity so please help children like our glorious Sebbie by donating as generously as you can.

“If you would like to sponsor me and help the charity please go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Marc-Elliott2”

Starting in the grounds of Arundel Castle at 7.30am and walking across the South Downs, Marc will be joining other fundraisers taking on the challenge of a 12k or 35k trek to help support children that cannot walk themselves or without aid – one in three children with cerebral palsy are affected this way.

Ann Wenn, Marc’s friend and mum to Sebastian, said: “I did the A2B walk last year and cannot express how much my friends and I enjoyed it. It was amazing!

“I had some blessed friends who joined me, it was a fantastic day and I just wanted to encourage anyone thinking of maybe attempting it this year.”

She added: “It really is a superb day and yes it is challenging, but extremely rewarding. I spent most of the time laughing. The whole day was extremely well organised and we felt supported and encouraged.

“It was so much fun we are doing it again this year.”

The charity event to date has raised over £37,000 over three years and helped over 500 families providing a specialist service for children with cerebral palsy and other motor learning difficulties