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My Goddaughter, Ava, was born with a tethered spinal cord, a form of spina bifida.  Without surgery over time the spinal cord can become stretched and cause permanent nerve damage to the legs, bladder and bowel.  Last month, at 8 months old, Ava had a seven hour operation to remove the fatty tissue surrounding her spinal cord.  The doctors managed to remove 95% of the fat and believe that the remaining 5% will hopefully not cause any further damage.  Ava will continue to be be closely monitored at the hospital for bowel and bladder function and have physio for a slightly weaker left leg.

I am cycling from London to Brighton (54 miles) in a couple of weeks and have decided to raise money for the Red Cross War Memorial Childrens Hospital in Cape Town. It is a state run hospital which survives on donations and offers its excellent service for sick children regardless of social status across South and Southern Africa. 

As there is no direct South African charity for Spina Bifida I have decided to raise money for the hospital where Ava was operated and continues treatment.  I feel it is something small I can do for Abbi, Lee and Francis as i was not able to help them physically (as South Africa is quite far away!) during this time and to let them and Ava know that I am always thinking of them.  Four years ago this operation would not have taken place in South Africa.  By raising money for the hospital it will enable further research into the condition and help the hospital continue to offer world-class facilities for such surgery.

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