A PIER to pier walk has raised vital funds to improve the life of a youngster.

Catrina Johnson walked from Clacton Pier to Walton Pier to raise money to help create Stanley’s oasis for Stanley Newman, five, who suffers from a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy.

His family have been working towards a target of £20,000 for the project to create a level accessible garden complete with a hydrotherapy tub and therapy room.

Catrina works with Stanley on a one-to-one basis at Holland Haven Primary School.

When the youngster asked her to help him raise some money for specialist equipment for him to use in his home, she couldn’t say no.

Catrina, 38, her sister Lena Scanu, keen walker Rose Forrest, school dinner lady Karly Tully, niece Freya Welham, 11, and Milo the dog took on the 16 mile round walk and completed it in just over five hours.

They had hoped to generate £350 in sponsorship but their total now stands at £670.

Catrina said: “It went really well. We had such a good day for it but it was really hard work. I was in bed by 9pm.”

“We all met up for a chat and Rob, Laura and Stanley all saw us off.

“Stanley asked me how long it took to do it and he kept on saying it doesn’t take very long in the car.

“People at work have been sending us donations which is really appreciated so much.

“It was fantastic and I’m really pleased we’ve done it.

“I can’t believe how much I’ve managed to raise in such a small amount of time.

Stanley’s dad Rob added: “When we got there he went straight up to her and they were both just laughing away together.

“It was a beautiful day and it was lovely to see her off - 16 miles is no small effort. Stanley was just in his element, they’re like two peas in a pod.”

To donate to the project head to JustGiving.com and search Stanleys Oasis.