We are a group of healthcare professionals doing the 3 peaks challenge in aid of Emma.

Emma is 8 years old. Emma was born at 38 weeks with a normal birth and she appeared to be a perfectly healthy baby girl. As she grew older she wasnt able to crawl or sit up like a child her age would be able to. After an MRI scan, and on the day after her 2nd Birthday Emma was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, which affects her legs and her ability to walk. At the age of 4 Emma was also diagnosed with Autism.

Emmas Cerebral Palsy type is referred to as Spastic Diplegia which means that it mainly affects her legs, but the source of the problem is damage in her brain which affects the nerve impulses that control her muscles, they dont have the full range of movements that most of us take for granted and they also become very stiff (like cramp) which makes walking very difficult for her. She uses a wheelchair to do most things, but does her best to get around the house and school without it, by holding onto the walls or the furniture, and she can walk for very short distances on her own. Unfortunately without intervention, this will deteriorate as she grows older, potentially leading to further issues.

The consultants at Alder Hey have recommended an operation called SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy). The operation is not available on the NHS but the surgery is available at Alder Hey in Liverpool but it will cost £21000.

To read on about Emma's story please follow the link:
https://www.gofundme.com/helping-emma-to-walk