A three-year-old with cerebral palsy has shown that superheroes come in all sizes after taking on a month-long cycling challenge to raise money for a charity that is helping her get stronger.
Little Lola James showed her true grit by undertaking a distance of 14.5 miles on her trike over the course of a month to raise money for The Movement Centre charity.
The centre, in Oswestry, has benefited Lola with a year-long programme of targeted physio training and the loan of a special standing frame that allows parents Bethony and Greg to help the little girl gain much-needed strength and stability through improving her core muscles.
Lola’s cerebral palsy means she is unable to stand or sit independently, but she has shown great determination in intensive physio sessions that are most beneficial before she reaches the age of five.
The goal of her training with The Movement Centre is to help Lola one day be able to stand on her own.
Lola’s parents Greg and Bethony have been able to access help from The Movement Centre free of charge so have been giving back through Lola’s charity challenge.
Her father Greg’s employers – Derbyshire-based science company Lubrizol, where he works as a photographer and videographer – were so impressed by the little girl’s efforts that they boosted her total too.
Lola undertook her cycling challenge by using her trike to cycle round the block every day with her parents.
In taking on the huge effort Lola was part of the Superhero Series Race, a mass participation event dedicated to the 14.4million people in the UK living with disabilities.
Mum Bethony said: “Lola’s progress thanks to help from The Movement Centre and other physio over the last year has really given us hope for the future. I think anything is possible for her. She has been absolutely determined. She has worked so hard and as her parents we couldn’t be prouder of her. We would like to thank everyone who has supported Lola in her journey including Lubrizol, The Movement Centre and all those who have raised money. The support means the world to us.”
Lola has also benefited recently from more fundraising after three students at Lubrizol raised more than £3,500 by taking on a half marathon to raise money for her physio treatment.
Movement Centre fundraising lead Curtis Langley said: “We are delighted that we have been able to support Lola and her family, and great to see her taking on such an amazing challenge for The Movement Centre.
“Our aim at the centre is to give children like Lola the chance of reaching their full potential, and with support like this we can help more children to do so. It is so impactful when there is a collaborative effort when it comes to fundraising.
“Lola’s family have done an amazing job, and it is great that they have been supported by Lubrizol. A huge thank you to Lola, her family and everyone that supported her fundraising efforts.”
Claire Hollingshurst, from Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee which donated to Lola’s cycle challenge, said: “Lola faces big challenges in life but she seems to tackle them with such determination and positivity. We were delighted to support her challenge for The Movement Centre and hope that the money can help other young children who will really benefit from its support.”
The fundraising link is still open for anyone who would like to support Lola’s challenge: www.justgiving.com/page/superhero-lola This story was written and shared on behalf of Lubrizol by Lucy Stephens. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
