SIXTY people took part in a horse ride across Dartmoor last Sunday to raise money for a Tavistock youngster. The riders came from as far away as Sussex in support of four-year-old Paul Lewis so he can continue receiving treatment under the Son-Rise Programme, which is not available on the NHS. So far, £820 has been raised, which will help fund new equipment for Paul?s specially built playroom and pay for a visit by a Son-Rise professional. The programme has helped Paul?s vocabulary improve dramatically since last April when he was mute, said his father Allen Lewis. Son-rise uses dynamic play-orientated methods which focus on socialisation and rapport building. A team of local volunteers work with Paul on a one-to-one basis for many hours a day in the playroom, which is free from distractions such as television. Mr Lewis said: ?We really didn?t think to have gone so far this year. It?s thanks to our fantastic volunteers and to Paul?s school, Tavistock Primary. They have been working with us and not against us. ?We would really love another family to use this playroom and get the results we have.? Mr Lewis said the ride had been a great success: ?All these people came to help a little child, it?s marvellous. Last year he was mute, this year he said goodbye to all the riders.? James Paxman, brother of Jeremy who presents Newsnight, was one of the riders helping to raise money for Paul.
