Littleport fundraiser Cathy joins Countryfile’s charity ramble in Ely to help Elle who has a genetic brain disorder
Nineteen-year-old Elle, who has Rett syndrome, needs £10,000 for an eye gaze or eye tracking equipment which would help her verbally communicate. PHOTO: Lyn Gibb-de Swarte. - Credit: Archant
The story of an Ely girl who needs £10,000 for eye tracking equipment has inspired a Littleport fundraiser to join an annual charity event.
Littleport fundraiser Cathy Gibb-de Swarte is also volunteering as tail walker in Littleport's 16th Parkrun at Littleport Leisure Saturday morning before rambling for BBC Children In Need in Ely. PHOTO: Lyn Gibb-de Swarte. - Credit: Archant
Cathy Gibb-de Swarte is taking part in Countryfile’s fourth ramble walk, held in aid of BBC Children In Need when it comes to Ely on Sunday, to help 19-year-old Elle, who suffers from a genetic brain disorder.
Having won her place in a ballot she said: “When Countryfile announced that a charity ramble was happening in Ely I entered without hesitation.
“I have had help from the local community and local shops like the Co-op in the Main Street and One Stop.”
Elle , who has Rett syndrome, needs £10,000 for an eye gaze or eye tracking equipment which would help her verbally communicate.”
Littleport fundraiser Cathy Gibb-de Swarte is also volunteering as tail walker in Littleport's 16th Parkrun at Littleport Leisure Saturday morning before rambling for BBC Children In Need in Ely. PHOTO: Lyn Gibb-de Swarte. - Credit: Archant
Her mum, Tina Copsey, said: “Elle is one happy young lady and loves heavy metal and motorbikes, but she does need round the clock care.
“Life could be made that bit easier if we could afford an eye gaze/tracking equipment which costs in the region of £10,000.
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“It would help Elle to verbally communicate,” she added, happy that the charity is giving money to the ACC (Agumentative & Alternative Communication) which helps towards children to access the equipment and education they need.
“And it’s fantastic that people like Cathy are doing their bit for this charity, giving people like Elle a voice to help with their needs to function in life.”
Cathy is among hundreds of ramblers expected to join Countryfile presenter, Ellie Harrison, who is expected to lead the walk accompanied by 14-year-old Amy, who has been supported by ‘Spread-A-Smile- following a diagnosis of osteosarcoma in March last year.
This weekend many of the Countryfile presenters including Matt Baker, Anita Rani are heading out on a series of rambles across the UK from Galloway Forest Park in Scotland, the Isle of Skye, Caernarfon in Wales, and the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland.
