They'd do anything for their five-year-old son James Reid. He swam more than 12km from Motiti Island to Maketu and she's organised a 50km walk from East Papamoa to Mauao, around the track twice, and back again.

Rochelle Straker, Sonja Reid, Rachel Griffiths are walking for James today. Photo by: Cameron Avery.

It's because their son has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, epilepsy and hydrocephalus – or a blockage to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Sonja and Don Reid's little boy is unable to crawl or stand without support – and can only take assisted steps with great difficulty.

So their ‘out-there' fitness efforts are to raise funds for a life-changing operation in the United States to relieve James' spasticity, or high tone in his muscles and tendons, and post-operative rehab, which could cost about $150,000.

Today, it's mum Sonja's turn to join a 50km fundraising walk for her son. She's walking 25km because, as any mother would understand, the children come first – and training has come second.

'I've never done anything like this before so it's going to be a bit of a challenge, but well worth it,” says Sonja.

More than 50 walkers have clicked ‘like' on the Facebook page.

'There's also one man who's doing 75km,” says Sonja. 'The idea is for everyone to get sponsored and raise awareness for James and our cause.”

Participants can walk in teams of one, two or four and everyone will be wearing blue – James' favourite colour.

James has had a rough start in life, but mum confirms he's doing fine. He started school this year.

'He settled in really well given the huge change to his routine,” says Sonja. 'He manages full days at school, apart from Wednesday because he goes to riding with the disabled.”

They've so far raised more than $60,000 and the family is desperately hoping to reach the $150,000 target by September.

They're holding an auction night at Auckland's Goldfinch Bar on May 23 to boost funds, with prizes including a dinner with All Black hooker Nathan Harris. Tickets cost $45 which includes a cocktail and finger food.

To donate to the walk, visit givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/teamjameswalk or follow his Facebook page Team James Whatever It Takes.