A DALGETY BAY mum who is determined to inspire her young son has completed a half marathon while wearing painful foot splints.

Vivian Maeda took part in the race in Edinburgh last week, not only to raise money for Cerebral Palsy Scotland, but also to show her three-year-old, Luca, what he can achieve while wearing the splints he hates.

Luca was born prematurely and suffered from sepsis, meningitis and brain haemorrhage early in his life before being diagnosed with a mild form of cerebral palsy, a group of lifelong conditions which affect movement and co-ordination.

"I originally was going to run the half marathon and raise funds for the condition," Vivian told the Press.

"As I was doing the training, I was speaking to my son, convincing him to wear the splints.

"I decided to give myself splints, I wanted him to feel like he was not the only one – everyone said, 'Are you crazy?'

"But I felt for Luca it was important so I was wearing them from time to time."

The supports encompass the ankle and foot to help control and manage walking patterns.

While Vivian does not need one herself, she felt the 13.1-mile run was the perfect opportunity to show her son what he can do.

"Before I had Luca, I didn't realise how much they learn when they are two or three, he noticed that nobody else was wearing them," she said.

"It is sore, it is uncomfortable, it is like wearing a shoe with a stone in it but it helps with the misalignment of his legs and his foot.

"I've also ordered specially-made splints for his toys – he has a giraffe who he takes them off before he takes his off.

"It does help, there are days where he won't wear it and there's nothing you can do.

"I just thought why not – I'll wear the splint and show Luca that even if it's uncomfortable, it's helpful.

"When you're running, your foot swells and the splint limits space; it gave me blisters, it was very sore, but I was doing it for Luca.

And for the final 400 metres, the three-year-old was in the spotlight, joining his mum as she crossed the finish line.

"He joined me wearing his splints and the crowd was going wild – as soon as Luca was next to me they were cheering," Vivian explained.

"He is a tiny person, they were so proud of him, he was out of breath, he was wearing two splints, but he wanted to be there with me.

"When they were giving me the medal, I said to give it to Luca, they said, 'Here you go, champion', now he walks around the house and says, 'I'm a champion!'

Cerebral Palsy Scotland have been one of Luca and Vivian's main supporters, helping to push the youngster to meet milestones like being able to kick a ball.

Now, Vivian wants to change how people view children like her son, and change the way they view themselves.

She said: "If you set your mind to it, then you can do whatever you want.

"I want to change the narrative, I know we talk about disability but I want to think about abilities, we are too focused on what they can't do.

"What is normal? It is about changing the way we do things."