An Essex woman is taking on a sponsored skydive in July to raise funds for a local five-year-old girl with severe disabilities.
Breakdown co-ordinator Emma Allen, 29, from Halstead, was introduced to Grace via Football for Fun days attended by her son Declan, 6, and run by Daniel Mather who has previously organised fundraising events for Grace.
Emma will be taking part in a skydive from 13,000 ft on July 29 at Beccles in Norfolk. She said: ‘I wanted to challenge myself for my 30th birthday. It’s easy to become more afraid of things as you get older and have more responsibilities, so I wanted to break out of that. I then decided to use this opportunity to raise money for a good cause, and raise awareness for grace and her rare condition I’m hoping to raise at least £500, and am grateful for every penny donated.’
Grace Beverton, 5, from Copford, Colchester, started having severe seizures in 2018 aged five and a half months. Following several frightening hospital admissions and a barrage of tests, she was finally diagnosed with a mutation of the gene RHOBTB2 (x.1448G>A) following consultation with a genetics specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Her family and supporters fundraise constantly to fund therapies and equipment which are not available on the NHS. Grace cannot walk or talk, and as there are so few cases like Grace’s it is difficult to know how she will develop.
The current aim is to find specialised and intensive physiotherapy sessions to help Grace sit unaided. Longer term goals might include milestones such as bearing weight on her legs or even standing and walking. There is also likely to be specialised equipment needed, as well as possible adaptations to the family home.
Grace’s family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope which helps families fundraise for children like Grace with healthcare needs and provides charity status to benefit from gift aid, corporate support while also providing donor reassurance.
Tree of Hope CEO Gill Gibb said: ‘We’re really pleased to hear that Grace’s family has so much support and wish Emma all the best with her challenge.’
To sponsor Emma or to donate to Grace’s fund, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/grace-beverton or https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Skydiveforgrace2023
