Nurses’ trek raises cash to help Lottie
9:00pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in Latest News
A TEAM of nurses from Great Western Hospital have raised thousands of pounds by trekking up Mount Snowdon.
Nine nurses from Aldbourne Ward set off on the 1,085 metre climb on Saturday to raise funds to pay for intensive physiotherapy for 13-year-old Lottie Palfreeman.
Lottie, who is a pupil at Uplands School , was born with calcifications in her brain and also has cerebral palsy, delays in her development and learning difficulties.
Lottie’s mother Rachel, who took part in the challenge, said: “It was hard work but we did it. “It took about four and a half hours to get to the top and a couple to come down. “It was a long day but it was worth it.
“We started at about 9.30am and the first bit was a really steep Tarmac road. Everybody was huffing and puffing. Once we got to the top we were actually in the clouds so we couldn’t see much, but there were great views on the way up.
“It was a real team effort. Our legs were aching afterwards.
“Lottie was pleased when we told her. Thank you to everyone who took part and everyone who donated.”
In January 2010, Lottie started her first three-week intensive physiotherapy programme at at the Footsteps Centre, in Oxfordshire.
Two years on, she is getting closer to the real possibility of independent walking. Lottie needs several three-week courses a year, and each one costs £1,500.
The team raised £2,500 by taking part in the challenge, which means they will help pay for nearly two courses.
Rachel, 41, of Abbey Meads , who is ward manager, said: “The physio makes her a little bit more independent.
“Her legs are stronger, she is able to use her left arm a bit more and she is more upright. She is just able to do more.”
The Snowdon challenge took a year to organise and Rachel said she was pleased with how it went.
Rachel said they are hoping to organise more fundraisers soon. To sponsor the team visit www.justgiving.com/Rachel-Palfreeman.
