We are a group of close friends of the Garner family. Their beautiful daughter Milla, who is aged 4 from Worcester was diagnosed with mild bilateral diplegia cerebral palsy at 2 years old. Milla functions very well and is an independent walker but has spasticity in her legs which restrict her movement and affect her balance. Last year the Garners attended an assessment at Bristol Childrens Hospital to see whether Milla would meet the criteria for an operation called SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy). SDR is surgery to the spine whereby the sensory nerves are cut and spasticity is removed. Last year the NHS announced after a 2 year research programme to fund a tight criteria of patients for this surgery and they were very lucky to find out Milla met the criteria. Earlier this year on the 21st March Milla underwent this life-changing operation at Bristol Children’s Hospital. This neurosurgery took 6 hours and followed 3 days in HDU and then recovery and 2 weeks of intensive physio by the brilliant team at Bristol. We are now 4 months post-operation, and Milla’s progress continues to improve, in her balance and strength and is clear to see. She often calls out Mummy or Daddy look what I can do and she’s so excited. We hope these gains continue in the future, particularly running, jumping and more balance with steps/stairs. She recently joined in a race at the Schools Sports Day and did amazingly well considering she was only 3-months post-op. The surgery however is only half of the story.... There is a 2 year rehabilitation program to follow. The surgery can achieve life-changing results but only if hard work and dedication are invested into physio to strengthen the muscles that have been left weak by the removal of spasticity. We would like to try and raise funds for Just4Children to help the family pay towards private physiotherapy costs for Milla. The NHS is providing some physiotherapy but Milla needs 2-4 sessions a week for at least 2 years. They will need to fund private physio as well as continually supporting Milla with additional physiotherapy past the two years rehabilitation program, purchasing specialist equipment, coaching, boot camps and ongoing physio sessions which Milla will benefit from for the rest of her life. There are 3 of us taking part in The National Three Peaks Challenge, this involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales, often within 24 hours. The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 metres (10,052ft) - twice the ascent of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, over a similar total walking distance. The total driving distance is 462 miles. We have decided to organise our Own Three Peaks Challenge, bearing in mind that conditions vary greatly, and seasonal weather systems can extend winter conditions in the hills we are hopeful that the dates we have chosen will be kind. We will have two dedicated drivers, who won't be walking with us but are really important to ensure our safety when traveling between the mountains. Our training plan began in June to ensure that everyone is at a suitable level of fitness when taking part. Wish us luck and please only donate what you can afford, any amount large or small is greatly appreciated by us all x
The National Three Peaks Challenge takes in the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, often in 24 hours.