The local community is rallying around a Highbridge Cystic Fibrosis sufferer to support her and raise thousands of pounds for a charity that helps similar sufferers across the UK.
Amelia McKenna, 6, from Church Street in Highbridge, has the life-limiting condition.
Mum Zoe McKenna told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Amelia needs physiotherapy twice a day to maintain her health and keep her moving, but she takes it all in her stride and is so brave.”
“She has regular treatments and scores of tablets every day to take alongside regular hospital visits. We always try to live for ‘today’ and hope for ‘tomorrow’.”
Zoe says that Amelia tries to live life as normal as possible. “She goes to school in Wedmore and is doing really well there. She’s so determined to succeed and is reading above her level – she’s an amazing little girl.”
“She has received a lot of support locally in Burnham and Highbridge from many groups and individuals, as we try to raise funds to enable a cure to be found by the Cystic Fibrosis trust.”
“The Monarchs gymnastics club have been wonderful, holding a fundraising ‘wear yellow week’ recently, while Burnham Swimming Club members have raised money from a raffle and fundraising, and a bingo session at Highbridge Social Club was also well supported.”
Father Paul adds: “Her treatment is keeping her well in the short-term but we’d really like to see a permanent cure found for her and the thousands of other children and adults who suffer from the condition.”
“That’s why last month I ran the London Marathon to raise funds for the charity.”
“I finished in four hours and 23 minutes and, while it was very hard work, it was a great feeling to do it for Amelia and all who suffer from Cystic Fibrosis.”
“We thank everyone who is supporting Amelia and us with the fundraising – it really is greatly appreciated.”
Amelia was diagnosed with the condition at just 19 days and has been receiving treatment ever since.
Pictured: Amelia with her family in Highbridge and, above, dad Paul after he completed the London Marathon for the charity. Below and top: the Monarchs Gym Club fundraising for the charity
