Our family are fundraising for our daughter, Molly Williams, aged 4.

We are hoping you can help support us.

In 2014, when Molly was 16mths old, she was diagnosed with the degenerative, genetic condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). There is no cure. Because of her poor movement in pregnancy, the weakness of her lungs, and the fact that she could never even sit, she is a Type 1.

95% of children with Type 1 SMA do not survive to their 2nd birthday.

We can't really out into words the devastation, and horror, of being told this. It was like the end of the world. We were referred to Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice & started thinking about Molly's funeral.

SMA is a muscle-wasting condition. It is a type of Muscular Dystrophy. The easiest way we can describe it to people, is that it is similar to what Stephen Hawking suffers with.

Molly's SMA means that she will never walk, stand, or even sit unaided. She can't lift her arms above elbow height. Her hips have subjuxation (dislocation) and her spine has scoliosis, bending in on itself, all because of weak muscles. She wears a neck collar most of the time, and at night, she wears a bipap machine with a face mask, to blow air into her weak lungs.

Incredibly, Molly is defying all the odds. She is an inspiration to us. Every time there have been emergency admissions to Sheffield Children's Hospital, Molly pulls through.

Molly needs a Permobil K450 powerchair. It's more supportive, & more comfy, for Molly's body than a basic NHS chair. It has much better suspension. The main reason we feel Molly needs the Permobil, is because the seat raises up to a standing height, & it also lowers down to the floor. This would let Molly join in school story time, carpet time, & get to the primary school tables! Simple things other children have so easily.

Molly is a lovely little girl. Always smiling, laughing, wanting to play. We love her so much.

We want to support her and give her independence xx