A group of six friends from Oswestry are undertaking a charity walk to help with a fund raising campaign to support a little girls journey towards a life-changing procedure. Mabel, a vibrant and joyful 6-year-old, was born with cerebral palsy.
A spokesperson for the group said. “Our friend Matthew and his family who now live in Crete with his family, needed to raise funds for cutting edge life changing surgery for their beautiful daughter Mabel who was born with Cerebral Palsy to be able to walk.
“We felt we needed to do something more than just make individual donations. Without the time to be able train to run marathons or something more extreme, we felt that it would be apt and possible to do a very challenging and difficult walk which is something most of us are lucky enough to be able to do and take for granted.
“So despite none of us being regular or experienced walkers, and some of us not being particularly fit, we have decided to take on the challenge of walking the length of over two marathons in just over four days up Offa’s Dyke to finish near Oswestry our home and where our friend Matthew is originally from.
“We will starting in Herefordshire, then up into the Shropshire Hills, then back into the hills of the Welsh Marches and we finish where the Dyke passes near Oswestry. We will be travelling through Powys, Herefordshire, and Shropshire.
“Most walkers would only do this trail between April and October and would take 5-6 days to do this large section, but we will be attempting to do this in less than 5 days in the changeable and challenging weather of February.
“We are walking to be able to help Mabel’s dream to be able to walk herself and we would be so grateful if you could help us make a little girls dream come true.”
Please see the Just Giving link below:
This is the latest in a series of fundraising started by Mabel’s father, Matthew Wilson, originally from Oswestry, where much of his family still resides.
Matthew said, “The early arrival of Mabel and her twin Arthur, 10 weeks premature, led to an initial struggle as they spent their early months in the NICU and hospital. Mabel’s challenges became evident early on, with brain damage confirmed through an MRI, setting her on a journey that would involve ongoing physiotherapy, a testament to her resilience.
“Cerebral palsy affects Mabel’s limbs, resulting in spasticity, particularly noticeable in her legs, making independent walking a challenge. However, her spirit remains undeterred. Mabel exudes love and curiosity, enjoying singing, stories, and sharing affection in multiple languages. Her love for reading, swimming, and technology shines through her daily interactions.
“The exciting news emerged as Mabel was approved for a ground-breaking procedure called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). This innovative surgery, conducted by Dr. Park in St. Louis, America, offers hope in addressing the spasticity that has hindered Mabel’s muscle growth and caused orthopaedic challenges.
“The journey towards SDR is not just a medical one but a financial and emotional endeavour. The procedure in America will span over 4 weeks, including a crucial 3-week recovery period, with ongoing intensive therapies and equipment needs post-surgery.”
Matthew is rallying support for Mabel’s cause, believing in her strength and the potential of SDR to significantly enhance her quality of life. He expresses determination not to relent in the pursuit of a brighter future for Mabel.
Matthew added, “The superhero surgery of SDR can transform Mabel’s life. With everyone’s kind support, we can be Mabel’s heroes, helping her achieve a life filled with happiness and adventure.”
The Wilson family is seeking support not just through donations but by spreading Mabel’s story and the fundraiser within their networks, urging others to join in this noble cause.
For more information on Mabel’s journey and how to support her, visit https://whydonate.com/en/fundraising/help-mabel-walk or follow there journey on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HelpMabelWalk
