THE family of a cerebral palsy campaigner continuing her fight to walk after a rare life-changing surgery are taking on a mammoth sponsored walk this weekend.
Laura Ramsden took her first steps as an adult in February after undergoing a selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) – a surgery that is usually only offered to children – last year.
Her mum Joyce and brother-in-law David are tackling the 25-mile Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday to help raise money needed so Laura can continue her long rehabilitation process.
She has recently been given the go-ahead to have a vital follow-up surgery to lengthen her tendons and a procedure that will see a cage attached to her ankle for eight weeks.
Laura still has two and a half years of rehabilitation to complete, regardless of the upcoming procedures, and with physiotherapy costing £80 per hour she will be continuing fundraising initiatives that have already garnered more than £9,000 in donations.
The 35-year-old, of Bowker Street, said: “I feel very lucky and fortunate to have a family that believe in me and want to help.
“Without them and my friends and also the kindness strangers, none of this would have ever been possible and the amazing progress I have made would never have happened.
“I just hope people will continue to support me with my fundraising campaigns the way they already have every pound I am able to raise will make a huge difference.
“After the new procedures, the orthopaedic surgeon believes that I will not only be able to walk, but should walk well.
“My life has changed so much already and I have so many people to thank for that, but how do you thank people including strangers who have helped you onto a path to change the quality of your life forever?
“Day by day they are helping me open up a whole new world. Somehow I don't think any amount of thank yous will ever be enough.”
To donate to Joyce and David’s Three Peaks Challenge: visit www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/mum-and-david-s-yorkshire-3-peak-challenge-for-laura-s-wish/333124
For the Laura’s Wish fundraising page: see www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/laura-s-wish-fundraising-and-sdr-fund-2014-15/121155
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