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In October 2010 Kim Collins and Ben Hanger will be walking 85km of the Great Wall of China in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). The reason for this trip is to give something back to GOSH who have been incredibly supportive to thousands of families, including Ben's whose sister Melissa is receiving treatment there.

Kim is acting as Ben's guardian as he is 17 and would otherwise be unable to take this trip.

  

Melissa's Story

Melissa Hanger aged 11 is a regular visitor to Great Ormond Street Hospital London who care for children who have complex, rare and often life-limiting illnesses.  

It all began in the summer of 2007 when she was 8 with a dull ache in her back. In September 2007 she was rushed to hospital after collapsing on the floor in pain and unable to move her back.

The local hospital doctors carried out many tests but were puzzled why a child was in so much pain and the not knowing what was wrong was heartbreaking. After six long months she was transferred to Great Ormond Street for further tests. After every scan imaginable Melissa was diagnosed by a team of specialists in Rheumotology with Ehlers Danlos type 3 and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (chronic regional pain syndrome) of the spine. Finally someone believed how much pain she was in and there was hope. During the last two years Melissa has undertaken intensive physiotherapy courses where she stays at the hospital for two or three weeks and the specialists improve her muscle strength and reduce muscle spasm. She is still in constant pain but with the help of her specialists at GOSH she is managing the pain and getting the very best support.         

So please dig deep and donate now. Any donation small or large will be greatly appreciated. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thanks again for your time and your support

Many thanks to all those who visited the Lytchett Matravers Carnival as we raised £566!