Gwen’s Superhero challenge for The Children’s Trust
Four-year-old Gwen and her mum, Jenny, have taken on a unique 20km sporting challenge to raise money for The Children’s Trust.
The pair are planning on completing the distance through a mixture of wheeling, crawling, walking and running as part of the At Home Superheroes event, which runs from 15 June-15 July.
Jenny said: “I love a sporting challenge and I want to show Gwen that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Gwen is my superhero! She amazes me every single day with what she has learnt and achieved.”
Gwen, who attends Tadworth Tots nursery at The Children’s Trust, will be embarking on 3km of wheeling in her wheelchair or walker, crawling and stair climbing, while Jenny plans to complete a 6km run. They will also complete a distance of 11km together, with Gwen in her pram.
Gwen has spina bifida meaning she has nerve damage to her lower spinal cord. She has vocal cord palsy and an unsafe swallow so has a tracheostomy tube to keep her airway safe and is ventilated overnight due to sleep apnoea.
Jenny adds: "She is unable to weight bear so cannot walk. However, she can bunny hop and commando crawl faster than any commando!
“Gwen is the queen of cheekiness and wraps everyone around her finger, with one little smile and a wave. She loves people and doing all things she’s told not to do. She’ll find the At Home Superheroes challenge fun, especially wheeling herself up and down the road as she’ll be able to be nosey and wave at everyone!”
Gwen has been attending Tadworth Tots since it was first piloted in September 2019, as a nursery for children with a wide range of needs. Jenny explains she has developed a lot since attending and adds: “She loves it so much she sometimes refuses to come home!”
Visit Gwen and Jenny’s JustGiving page.
The At Home Superheroes challenge is an event organised by the Superhero Series, where people with disabilities can compete, solo or as part of a team. The Superhero Series set up by Sophia Warner – a Paralympian with cerebral palsy and Ambassador for The Children’s Trust.
-ENDS-
For more information or pictures, contact the press office on 01737 365865 or email pressoffice@thechildren’strust.org.uk
About The Children’s Trust
Every year 40,000 children in the UK are left with a brain injury as a result of an accident or illness and many have to live with ongoing, long-term difficulties. The Children’s Trust gives children with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, by providing specialist rehabilitation, education and community services across the UK. www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk
