Inspiring Lily walks for Haven House again

Eight-year-old Lily, who raised more than £40,000 for Haven House last year, is stepping out again on her birthday to go even further.

In September 2020, Lily, who has cerebral palsy and autism, captured hearts across the nation when she set out to raise £24,700 by walking 15 kilometres in a day with her walking frame. Lily received an outpouring of support and raised more than £40,000 for Haven House – her local children’s hospice.

Lily says she has found inspiration from the children and families at the hospice to complete the walk again this Saturday 18 September, on her 9th birthday. Lily visited us earlier this year and was able to see first-hand the impact her fundraising had made on the seriously ill children and families we support.

I met the nurses and some of the children in the hospice playground. The team at Haven House have been my biggest supporters and have given me the confidence I need. They have made me realise anyone can achieve anything and made me feel like a superhero.

Lily

Brave Lily has won support from a host of celebrities. Stars including Leona Lewis, Harry Redknapp and reality TV stars Billie and Greg Shepherd have backed Lily, after learning of her plans to cover the distance on foot following years of medical struggles. Doctors had warned the inspirational schoolgirl that she might never walk unaided when she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at two. Lily continues to receive treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital and intensive physiotherapy to improve and maintain her mobility.

Lily’s mum Kelly said: “She’s such a determined little girl so we have no doubt she will do amazingly this weekend. Since her fundraising last year, her confidence has improved so much. We are so proud of her for being so caring and kind, and for supporting her peers and such a vital cause.”

The money Lily has raised has helped the hospice provide specialist care and support for more than 400 children and young people while supporting services such as day care, end of life care, bereavement support, as well as life enriching activities such as sensory play, music therapy and physiotherapy.

Sophie Bragg, Events Manager at Haven House, said: “What a truly amazing girl Lily is and what an incredible challenge she has set herself again. There's just no stopping her. Lily’s determination, courage and kind nature is so inspiring, and we are so very proud of her.

"We are so grateful to Lily and her family for stepping up for us again during what has been an extraordinary year for us as a charity, while making an incredible difference to the children who need the care and support of Haven House. The hospice has never been more vital. Lily's fundraising will help us to continue being there for families when they need us most."

Your support means we can be there for families during the toughest of times. You can still donate to Lily’s page  to help us care for even more seriously ill children in your local community.