Hiking Coast to Coast for Smiley Riley

Our great-nephew, Riley, was born with Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which is a genetic condition that makes the muscles weaker and causes problems with movement. Riley needs constant care and is looked after by his amazing mum, Gemma, and the family around the clock.

He has been admitted to our local hospital and Great Ormond Street several times in his short life but always manages to battle through, and he continues to smile and chuckle.

The NHS does what it can but only provides some of the things that could improve Riley and Gemma's day-to-day life. He cannot sit up unaided, so he needs a new, custom-made torso brace every few months, he needs a specialist wheelchair that can grow with him, he needs a car seat which can adapt as he grows, and numerous other items which will make life better and make caring for Riley easier for Gemma too.

It would be great for Gemma to be able to take Riley out to enjoy the facilities at the local children's hospice and places other families get to visit. Currently, she cannot do this on her own as a carer must go with her, and they have to take a whole bunch of specialist equipment with them.

We - Simon and Rachel - are planning to hike the Coast to Cast route in May 2024. This is a 192-mile trail from St. Bees in Cumbria across the north of England to Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire. The total ascent across the entire route is 8,500m - even if we choose the 'low' options, which is equal to climbing Mt. Everest. We will tackle this over 2 weeks, staying in B&Bs along the way. We are covering all of the expenses ourselves - including blister plasters! - but we would love it if you could make a donation to Smiley Riley.

For more information about Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) visit the NHS website