A CARING Evesham mother of four is getting ready to tackle back-to-back marathons in 24 hours to raise money for life-changing treatment for her disabled daughter.
Emma Haynes, will tackle 52 miles when she walks day and night through the challenge to fund treatment for her eight year old daughter, Olivia, to give her the opportunity to walk unaided.
Miss Haynes left her job as a legal secretary to care for Olivia who has relied on a wheelchair and walking frame to get around since birth having been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Without the treatment, Olivia is likely to be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.
The life-changing operation available on the NHS will leave Olivia needing months of physiotherapy after leaving the hospital as she learns how to walk by herself, relieving her of the painful tightness in her legs, but the post-operation treatment costs £25,000.
So, in a brave effort to raise the money needed to help her daughter, Miss Haynes will push herself through the gruelling challenge on Saturday, July 11, where she will walk the same two mile loop through Evesham town centre 26 times, cheered on by family and friends.
Miss Haynes said: “If I have to take a million steps so that Olivia can take just one that doesn’t cause her pain, then that’s what I will do.
“I’m so motivated and we expect this challenge to bring us together as a family. Olivia’s twin sister Grace finds it so difficult that she can walk and Olivia can’t so really I’m doing this for all my children.
“This will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done physically. I don’t remember the last time I walked one mile let alone fifty two, but as any parent will agree, I’ll do anything within my power to improve my kids’ lives, and I hope this strikes enough of a chord with the public that we’re able to raise enough for the treatment.
“We’re really lucky that Olivia is able to have this operation so we need to grab this opportunity with both hands and make sure she has the treatment afterwards to give her the best chance of success.”
The challenge was created by Superhero Foundation, a charity that aims to inspire and empower people to push their limits for a purpose, providing fund-raising, planning, logistical and publicity support.
To follow Emma’s progress in the build up to the event, visit @SuperheroFdn on Twitter which will be using the hashtag #OliviasDream, or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/events/1444198452561998/
Visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/oliviasdreamtowalk to make a donation.
