Maeve is a fearless, unstoppable 4-year-old with an unforgettable personality and incredible resilience.

She was born prematurely at just 28 weeks during COVID-19 due to PPROM (Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes) at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester. Maeve was diagnosed with cerebral palsy just before her 2nd birthday — a lifelong movement disorder that causes severe spasticity in both of her legs. This makes everyday tasks like standing, sitting, and walking painful and extremely challenging.

Since her diagnosis, we have self-funded intensive weekly physiotherapy for over two years, driving to North London for week-long therapy blocks and to Bournemouth for weekly sessions. We continue to work on her mobility every single day at home.

Around Christmas 2025, Maeve is scheduled for life-changing neurosurgery called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). This surgery will reduce the abnormal signals causing the tightness in her legs, helping improve her mobility and reduce her pain. While SDR is not a cure, it offers a significant chance for her to walk more freely — and even achieve her dream of roller skating one day.

After surgery, Maeve will need to learn to walk all over again and undergo intensive rehabilitation to rebuild her strength and independence.

Fundraising wasn’t an easy decision for us, especially knowing how tough things are for everyone right now. But we know Maeve’s journey has inspired many people, and we want to keep raising awareness about cerebral palsy and open up important conversations. If you feel able to support her, we are endlessly grateful.

🏃‍♀️ Fundraising Events

• Swim Long – Eton Dorney – Sunday 21st September 2025

Dan (Maeve’s dad) is taking on the Swim Long 10K challenge this September. While he’s no stranger to endurance through past running and triathlon events, swimming is definitely his toughest discipline. This 10K open water swim is the aquatic equivalent of a marathon — and with a 4.5-hour effort expected, it’ll be a true test to finish before the cutoff!

• Kids’ Great South Run — October 2025

Maeve and her big sister Demelza (and possibly a few friends) will be taking on the Great South Run! They are so excited, and if you’d like to sponsor them, they would be over the moon. If your child wants to join too, let us know!

• Fareham to Winchester Walk — 11 October 2025 (Approx. 28 miles!)

We’ll be walking to the very hospital where Maeve spent her first weeks of life. Supporters are welcome to join for the whole journey or jump in for shorter segments — and yes, there will be pubs along the way!

• Car Boot Sale

Maeve’s big sister suggested a car boot sale, and we’re excited to make it happen. If you’d like to donate items or help, we’d love your support.

Please share this page far and wide to help us give Maeve the best possible chance at an independent, active future.

You can also join our Facebook group Maeve’s Mission for event updates and more ways to get involved.

Thank you so much for your kindness and support.

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, they will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives. If, in those circumstances, we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child, any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.