Footsteps Marathon Fundraiser

Hi Everyone we’re back again!

Not quite ready to hang up the laces just yet. This year I will be running the Leeds marathon (again), and so Gabriella and I hope you can support me in raising enough money to help us send Sophia back to the Footsteps centre for another 2 week session.

She has completed 4 sessions so far and WOW what a difference! After a tough year last year with the cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy treatment, we were worried this may set her back. However, she seems stronger than ever, so close to sitting independently and full of confidence!

We would love to be able to continue helping her reach her full potential and our ultimate goal…to one day see her walk!

With your support we know she can do this

All funds raised will help towards the costs for two sessions next year, including accommodation and fuel. Anything you can donate will be greatly appreciated. Let’s prove those doctors wrong

I know by now most of you know her story but for any newbies please feel free to read below

⭐️SOPHIA’S STORY⭐️

Sophia was born in January 2020 just before the first lockdown.

She spent 5 weeks at home before being rushed into hospital after she had stopped breathing.

As she was suffering from pneumonia, and not responding to any medication she was taken to Sheffield Children’s where she was placed on a ventilator in intensive care. She spent the next 6 months battling chest infections, sepsis, open heart surgery and seizures. 

It was at 3 months old when we learnt that Sophia suffered from a rare genetic disorder called 1p36 Deletion Syndrome, that affects only 1 in 5,000-10,000 births.

We were told that Sophia may never walk, never talk and would need 24 hour care.

At 7 months old she finally came home and has been making strides ever since.

Just as things had started to settle down, in January 2024 we received the devastating news that Sophia has a Wilms Tumour, a cancerous mass on her kidney. After surgery to have the tumour removed she then had to endure 10 weeks of chemotherapy.

However, despite these setbacks we are determined to prove the doctors wrong and see this little girl walk one day! 

Our biggest wish is to send Sophia to the Footsteps Centre in Oxford. The centre provides intensive physiotherapy & rehabilitation for children with a range of disorders affecting their mobility.

Our aim is to improve and enhance Sophia’s quality of life by helping her reach her full potential. The centre has helped so many children with 1p36 Deletion, with amazing results, and we don’t want Sophia to miss out!

Your donations can help cover the costs of the therapy, accommodation and fuel. We would love it if you could help in any way you can to help get us there and prove those doctors wrong! Please click on the link below if you would like to read more about the Footsteps Centre

Thank you

https://www.footstepscentre.com