Alford woman’s walking challenge for ‘lifeline’ Little Wishes

Debbie Mawer, 38, is taking on the challenge next weekend to raise money for the ‘Little Wishes’ stay-and-play group in her home town of Alford.

Little Wishes was set up in February 2013 and offers a weekly play session – led by registered volunteers – during term time at Alford Children’s Centre on Farlesthorpe Road,

The group is available for parents and children under the age of five, and provides children with a safe place to play and learn while also giving social and emotional support to parents, in addition to the offer of hot drinks for the grown-ups and a healthy snack for the children.

Debbie and her children all live with Hypermobile EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), a genetic condition which affects the collagen in your body and causes weak joints, instability, pain, fatigue and internal issues, and a varied range of other potential health issues which can differ from person to person.

Little Wishes has provided an important lifeline for Debbie and her children. While her two eldest children are in their early teens, Debbie currently attends the group sessions with her youngest daughter, two-year-old Alana.

Debbie said: “When I moved to Alford, I knew no one other than my husband’s family, Little Wishes gave me confidence to meet new people, share stories and help and support other mums. My daughter has come on leaps and bounds making friends there, and she is now a very happy social butterfly.

“I want to give something back to the group, whose volunteers have helped me and other mums above and beyond what their position entails.”

On Sunday, October 3, Debbie will set off walking from Sandilands and continue all the way to Gibraltar Point – which will be no mean feat due to her health and mobility issues.

Debbie said: “It will be a challenge, as a slight trip in a field last year has left me with plantar fasciitis (painful inflammation in the heel and arch of the foot).

“I love to ramble and hike, it helps both my mental and physical health. There is nothing better than planning a route and finding interesting places along the way like stately homes, old buildings, and – to my husband’s horror – lots of cows.

“I am restricted to low impact exercises, so walking is a perfect way to keep myself healthy and strong.”

Steph Squires, the chair of the Little Wishes Parents Committee, is also a volunteer for the group alongside Sarah Twelves and Monica Durrant.

Steph said: “Knowing Debbie’s determination, EDS won’t stop her doing this walk, although she will need to take things easy afterwards!

“Each day pain and abilities can vary, which makes it complex to manage for both doctors and patients.

“A 15 mile walk for Debbie is a huge thing, but she is determined that she will be able to do it.

“It’s really heartwarming to think that volunteering for a couple of hours a week can make such an impact on people, and I’m really grateful to our small team of volunteers who make this possible. (This year) has been an unforeseeably crazy year, and Debbie’s fundraising will give us something positive to focus on for when things return to a more recognisable normal and we can restart our sessions.”

At the time of going to press, Debbie has already raised half of her £120 fundraising target.

Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/debbie-mawer-3 for further information and to make a donation.