Hope Lane, 12, from Chelmsford, and her identical twin sister Ava were born very early, at just 27 weeks. Hope weighed just 750g. Aged 18 months, she was diagnosed with quadriplegic spastic dystonic cerebral palsy.
She is a happy, cheeky girl, but is unable to sit, stand or walk unaided. Her family have already fundraised for adaptations to their home including a lift, wet room and ramps so that she can be more mobile and safe at home. She attends private physiotherapy twice a week to help her with mobility, strength and speech.
Jana Wilkins, 51, a health entrepreneur who lives in Chelmsford said: ‘My daughter Jessica was at school with Hope’s brother Ben, and Rachel is one of my closest friends.’
‘I’ve run a marathon and an ultramarathon for Hope in the last few years. I exercise a lot and running another marathon didn’t feel like too much of challenge. But push ups are far from my favourite thing and 100 per day throughout October is quite hard – I can’t do them all in one go. However I am sticking at it for Hope, though I have to admit it isn’t getting much easier!’
‘I’m full of admiration for Rachel, she does so much for the children, she’s such a strong woman. If I can be of any help at all with fundraising for physio for Hope, I’m absolutely delighted to be able to do so.’
Mum Rachel, 44, a recruitment counsellor who also lives in Chelmsford said:
‘Hope is a typical 12-year-old who likes going out with her family, playing with her brother and sister, going to the beach, going out for dinner, playing with our dog.’
‘Her physio costs £1,000 per month and greatly helps her with her mobility and confidence. And there is always new equipment to buy as she grows.’
‘We fundraise constantly, I did a triathlon, my husband Phil did a Three Peaks Challenge, there is always something going on! We are extremely lucky to have the support of our friends and family and are always appreciative of every event and every penny donated.’
‘Jana is continually looking for how she can support Hope and raise money for her through her amazing fitness and motivation. She makes me tired just talking about everything that she does, but we are so appreciative of her kindness and encouragement and she’s a friend for life.’
The family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope which helps families fundraise for children like Hope with healthcare needs where the NHS can’t support and provides charity status to benefit from gift aid, corporate support whilst also providing donor reassurance.
Becky Andrew, Tree of Hope CEO said: ‘We’re delighted Hope’s family have so much support around them and wish Jana all the best with her challenge.’
To donate to Hope’s fund or to sponsor Jana, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/ways-to-give/childrens-campaigns/believe-in-hope-2/ or https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/100-push-ups-for-hope
