Two Colchester mums are taking on the Bluewater zipwire to help raise funds for an eight-year-old-girl who has a rare condition which causes her bones to break easily.
Winne D’Arcy suffers from the genetic condition Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as Brittle Bone Disease, and has endured 100s of fractures and had around 12 operations to either try to strengthen or fix her bones. She also has autism.
Winnie’s mum Emma, 38, a personal assistant, dad Steven, 38, and sister Haze, 5, and their supporters fundraise constantly for house adaptations and therapies to make life more comfortable for Winnie.
Emma said: ‘We have made the house as practical as possible for Winnie with many adaptations, as well as turning the garden into a haven where she can play when her recovery periods from her many operations make it too difficult to get out. Sometimes her cast won’t even fit in the car.’
‘We also always need to raise funds for physio and hydrotherapy, as well as new equipment such as wheelchairs as she grows.’
‘Fundraising events in the past have included everything from marathons to sunflower growing competitions and even a duck race with lots of rubber ducks floating on the river. We are always grateful to everyone who supports us and for every penny we receive.’
‘This time me and my friend Sarah Manders are taking on the Bluewater zip line, which is the longest in England and can reach speeds of up to 50 mph! I’m a bit nervous as I haven’t done anything like that since before I had children. But it’s a nice containable event which we can fit in between school runs and perhaps we’ll even have time for coffee!’
The two women are hoping to raise £1,000, and already have pledges of around £700.
The family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope, which helps families raise money for children and young people like Winnie for medical treatments and healthcare services not freely available to them through the NHS and social care. The charity provides fundraising guidance, campaign development, financial management, charity registration and emotional support from the Family Support team. Families like Winnie’s benefit from having the support, tools and resources to fundraise effectively as well as access to gift aid, corporate support while also
providing donor reassurance.
Tree of Hope CEO Becky Andrew said: ‘We wish Winnie and her family all the best with their fundraising activities and best of luck to the two ladies with their challenge! We are pleased to give them support in reaching their fundraising goals.’
To donate to Winnie’s fund or sponsor Emma and Sarah, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/get-involved/childrens-campaigns/winniedarcy/ or
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/zip-for-winnie
