AN EMERSONS Green woman with a debilitating health condition has finished a walking challenge for the hospice which cared for her friend – and raised more than eight times her original fundraising target.
Emma Bate, 20, walked 13 miles from her home at Emersons Green to Children’s Hospice South West’s Charlton Farm hospice.
Emma has myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome, a long-term condition with symptoms including extreme tiredness, physical pain, sickness and difficulties carrying out everyday tasks.
It means she tires easily from walking, and uses a rollator walking aid.
She divided her walk into seven sections, starting in the spring and finishing on September 1, when she and mum Philippa were cheered into the hospice in Wraxall, North Somerset.
Emma carried out the fundraising challenge for CHSW in memory of her school friend Jack Brookes, who was cared for at Charlton Farm.
Jack, who had the bone and soft tissue cancer Ewing sarcoma, was supported by the charity for a number of years before he died in 2014, aged 11.
Emma said: “Jack was just lovely.
“He was fun and bubbly and nothing ever phased him. He just got on with life and was a good friend.
“The hospice was so wonderful with Jack and his family, and every penny I raise will help to ensure that the services it offers continue to be available to other families in need.”
Initially Emma aimed to raise around £200 – but as the Voice went to print, the total had passed £1,700.
She said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support and donations that I have received from everyone.
“I never really expected to get £100, let alone this amazing total.
“It’s been hard work at times, but the end goal has kept me going and the welcome we had when we got to Charlton Farm was amazing, and very emotional.”
CHSW Area Fundraiser Amanda Leonard said Emma’s fundraising could pay for a family to stay at Charlton Farm for Christmas or 24-hour specialist medical care for a child with complex needs.
Amanda said: “I have followed Emma all through her incredible challenge in Jack’s memory.
“She has shown great determination to complete the task and her fundraising and awareness-raising of the Children’s Hospice South West has been a triumph.
“Emma has raised a huge amount of money for the charity and a figure like that will go a very long way to helping local families.
Emma’s JustGiving fundraising page is still open, at tinyurl.com/r5jbsy56.
To fundraise or volunteer for CHSW, call 01275 866600 or email Amanda.leonard@chsw.org.uk.