Summer (15) and India (13) have decided to run on the 8th October in Henley for a friends daughter, Isla "the Incredible" Pearce

Summer is running the half marathon (aiming for 2hrs 10) and India is going to be running the 5km (aiming for 30mins). Both will do a great job and want to raise as much money as they can so please dig deep and help in any way you can.

Isla's story:

Isla the Incredible's fight for independence to reach her full potential.

Isla is a bright, inquisitive 5-year-old girl who, owing to a birth injury, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and needs lots of regular therapy to help her. Isla is non-ambulant but walks with a walker, is non-verbal, however has a high level of receptive and expressive language using different methods of communication aids, including eye-gaze, PODD book, partner assisted scanning and switches. Isla shows so much determination, has a great sense of humour and loves to cause mischief and laugh out loud!

Isla has privately funded physiotherapy and other forms of intensive therapy weekly, including hydrotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language. These therapies are helping increase Isla’s core strength, head control, limb strength and her ability to communicate. The more therapy and access to specialised equipment we can give Isla, especially in the formative years, the more we help her to reach her optimum potential and hopefully allow her some independence.

Intensive therapy is extremely important for children like Isla, but there is currently little provision for specialist intensive therapy in the UK. At present we fund annual trips to NAPA Centres for 3-week blocks of intensive therapy which aim to help Isla build new neural connections and assist her towards sitting unaided, weight bearing and having better control of her upper limbs. Working on her communication skills is also a key goal as, Isla certainly has a lot she wants to say! At present NAPA only have centres in America and Australia but plan to open a new centre in the UK this winter.

We are also raising money for two local charities that provide essential support to families with disabled children.

Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice is a respite centre in Maidenhead that offers weekend respite and hydrotherapy facilities, provide specialist care and support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families, across Berkshire and into surrounding counties.

The Music Club is an afterschool / out of school activity for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs living in South Oxfordshire. The club provides a short break activity using music and movement to bring fun, play and leisure for disabled children and young people and their families who may be at risk of social isolation and social exclusion.

Isla has an infectious smile, tries SO hard and brings joy to everyone she meets. Helping Isla the Incredible to reach her full potential would be the best gift we could ever give her.

We thank you for any support you can offer our incredible little girl.