A BRAVE Solihull schoolgirl battling a muscle disease is preparing to complete Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity’s first-ever 5km walk later this month, to say thank you for her hospital care.
After hearing about the charity’s Fun Family 5 event, in association with The Big Sleuth, eight-year-old Emily Williams was keen to get involved, alongside mum Kirsty and her kind-hearted brothers and sisters, Harry, Charlie, Toby and Heidi.
Emily, from Shirley, was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis at seven-years-old – a rare and potentially serious disease which causes muscle weakness and discomfort – and has been cared for by Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s Rheumatology team for the past five months.
Her condition is improving, thanks to regular medication and physiotherapy treatment, grateful Emily is hoping to help other children, just like her, by joining the Fun Family 5 sponsored stroll in Sutton Park on July 29.
Emily’s mum, Kirsty, said: “The 5km walk will be a huge challenge for Emily, as she gets tired much quicker than everyone else and her muscles aren’t as powerful as ours.
“Emily has been receiving incredible care to help improve her muscle strength and she really wanted to give something back to the children’s hospital – which is why we’ve signed up to Fun Family 5.
“We would therefore be really grateful if everyone sponsored our family, as we’re so proud of Emily for challenging herself in this way in a bid to help other brave patients at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”
Setting herself an original fundraising target of £300, Emily has already doubled her goal, raising a brilliant £630 so far.
She’s now even more determined to complete her 5k, before enjoying the bear-themed activities on offer at Fun Family 5’s dedicated Activity Zone – including the reveal of an exclusive, top-secret Big Sleuth bear.
Annie Eytle, Acting Events and Regional Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Emily and her family for saying thank you to our hospital in this special way and taking part in our brand-new Fun Family 5 event.
“Fun Family 5 will bring the magic of The Big Sleuth to life and we can’t wait to see hundreds of fundraisers at Sutton Park, helping us to do more for our sick kids.”
To find out more about Fun Family 5, visit funfamily5.bch.org.uk
Tickets should be purchased in advance and cost £30 for families (two adults, two children), £10 for adults and kids under five-years-old go free.
To donate to Emily’s JustGiving page, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kirsty-williams35
