Little Orlah Maudsley, four from Barbridge, has walked 26 miles for the Stroke Association, after surviving a stroke at birth.

Orlah’s stroke left her unable to use the left side of her body, which means she now struggles to walk and doesn’t have full movement in her left hand. However, she was determined to complete a ‘virtual three peaks challenge’ after being inspired by Sir Captain Tom.

Orlah’s mother, Heidi Maudsley said: “After she was born, Orlah started having seizures, so doctors performed tests to determine the cause. It was then that we were told that Orlahhad had a stroke. Doctors think it was due to two very small arteries in her brain.

“Orlah’s stroke left her with hemiplegia on her left side and she wears a splint on her leg, as well as using a wheelchair, and her left hand is in a fist most of the time. But she is building up her walking; she’s very independent and always wants to try and do things for herself. In fact, she gets cross if anyone tries to do things for her!”

Orlah is a pupil at Calveley Primary School, where Heidi is also the Teaching Assistant in her class. The school’s Headteacher, Beverley Dolman, set a virtual challenge to encourage the pupils to walk 26 miles in total during lockdown, as a motivation to get outside and enjoy exercise.

Heidi added: “When Orlah saw Sir Captain Tom taking part in his walking challenge, she said she wanted to raise money for charity and the Stroke Association seemed the perfect choice. We want to raise money to help other families affected by stroke get the support they need to rebuild their lives.

“The 26 mile target is achievable for most children, but for Orlah this has been a real challenge. At first we didn’t know if Orlah was ever going to crawl, let alone walk. She strugglesto walk long distances so we’ve been doing around half a mile each day with a combination of walking and in her wheelchair or buggy. Her school friend Olly was so inspired by Orlah that he has also started his own virtual challenge too.

“Orlah is a super star, she really is. She has achieved so much with her true grit and determination. She’s such an inspiration, to me and so many others.”

 There are 1.2 million stroke survivors living in the UK. I'm taking on the Stride for Stroke challenge and walking 1.2 million steps in 120 days, to raise funds and help provide support for those in need.