A disabled toddler is going to undertake a trek around Snodland to kickstart a £30,000 fundraising campaign to help his best friend walk.

Three-year-old Joe Scudder, of Roman Road, has cerebral palsy which makes his leg and arm muscles tighter than normal, particularly on the left of his body.

He wants to help his friend Jamie Maynard, who is also three and has more severe symptoms.

Jamie, who lives just around the corner in Bingley Close, relies on a wheelchair to get around, or a walking frame with wheels for short distances.

“Joe often talks about Jamie. He said he wanted to help and suggested the sponsored walk. They don’t moan or complain and they approach every challenge with huge smiles” - Elizabeth Scudder, Joe's mum

It is hoped this will change later this year when he has an operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital that will give him the best chance of walking unaided.

Known as a selective dorsal rhizotomy, it will see surgeons cut nerves in his lower spine to make his muscles more rigid.

The NHS will fund some of the rehabilitation, but his family believes recovery could take up to three years and is trying to raise £30,000 to fund the treatment Jamie will need afterwards.

Joe will walk one mile around Snodland on Monday, May 4.

The route will take him past Jamie’s house and his friend, who he met at a physio class in Coxheath, will join him for the final section.

Elizabeth Scudder, Joe’s mother, said: “Joe often talks about Jamie. He said he wanted to help and suggested the sponsored walk.

“It will take him a short distance but it will be a big thing for him. I think the boys are amazing and inspiring.

“They don’t moan or complain and they approach every challenge with huge smiles.”

Donna Maynard, Jamie’s mother, said: “Jamie is a lovely boy and when he is with Joe they get on really well.

“He is very tense and needs daily therapy. Hopefully his operation and rehab will allow him to walk. I think it is amazing that Joe is doing this.”

You can make a donation on Joe or Jamie's Just Giving pages. Alternatively search for Jamie’s Wish to Walk on Facebook.