I am on a journey to raise £1000 for a cause that is close to my heart. Living with cerebral palsy means that I rely on a walker or wheelchair for mobility. For my challenge, the 12 days before Christmas, I will walk 3 kilometres a day, each day, in my walker, starting or ending at Victoria Park in Southport ( if ever you want to ssy hello!). In total i will walk 36km- the longest i have ever walked in my walker.

What is driving me? my passion has always been horses. My love for horses began age two when I first rode donkeys to help develop my core strength. Riding ponies followed, which helped stretch my tight legs and reduce pain especially after operations, but more important to me, it gave me a feeling of acceptance and relaxation.

Two years ago, I discovered the incredible Dandelion Days (dandeliondays.co.uk) dedicated to supporting individuals through their work with horses. After participating in one of their courses as a Christmas gift (yes they are very special needs friendly), I was instantly hooked by their mission. They empowering and support people, regardless of age or ability, through meaningful interactions with horses. Everyone at Dandelion Days has welcomed me and I am just one of the team. They help me do some things but I have found out I can lead a pony to a field in my walker by myself!!!!!!

Before joining Dandelion Days, I struggled with confidence and often felt uneasy being away from home. Today, I am proud to say that I am a Dandelion Days volunteer— truly my dream job! I am currently studying animal management, and my hope is that in the future I will be able to help others in the same way that Dandelion Days has helped me.

I am sincerely grateful for any support you can provide. Every donation counts and makes a significant difference in our ability to continue this vital work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity; it means the world to me.

Ella XXXXXX

(PS Jenny is my mum and she is helping me manage this page in case you see her name and wonder why. x)