Mum Georgia Williams says she will be channelling her son’s strength when she takes part in an epic fundraising walk for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Son Miles, three, was unexpectedly diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure when he was just two weeks old, in October 2019.
The left side of his heart is oversized, meaning it doesn’t effectively pump blood and oxygen around his body. Miles’ condition has led to complications throughout his short life but he remains a happy, bubbly little boy. As a way of saying thank you for the support she receives from EACH, Georgia, who works in recruitment, has signed up for the charity’s 32-mile Pier 2 Pier walk, along the Norfolk coast, on 10th June.
“I want to give something back,” said the 34-year-old, who is married to Brandon and lives in Old Catton.
“The pandemic dramatically impacted fundraising for most charities and I want to raise as much money as I can so families going through incredibly tough times can continue to benefit from the wonderful work EACH does. The Pier 2 Pier challenge is going to be tough; I’ve never done a challenge like this before and I’m hoping that by choosing such a difficult challenge people might be more encouraged to donate!
“I’ll be walking with my brother and godmother and I’m sure we’ll be channelling Miles’ strength throughout the tougher moments of the 32 miles.”
Georgia and Brandon, 36, had no idea anything was wrong during the first fortnight of Miles’ life. However, things moved quickly after a night of poor feeding and drowsiness led to them taking him to the doctors.
They then had to make an emergency dash to the A&E department at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, before being blue-lighted to the intensive care unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London. During their time at GOSH, the family were introduced to EACH and they continue to receive support at The Nook.
“Although not much can ease the journey we’ve been on as a family, EACH has been a huge support during some of the toughest times we’ve faced,” said Georgia.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to has been incredibly supportive and so willing to help in any way they can.”
To sponsor Georgia, head here.
EACH’s Pier 2 Pier walk is a 32-mile challenge from Cromer to Great Yarmouth, following a fully-marked route along the popular Norfolk Coastal Path. The cost is £60 – £70 including a morning coach journey from Yarmouth to Cromer, so cars can be left near the finish – and sign-up closes on 14th May.
Entry includes lunch and hot food at the finish and regular refuelling stops with snacks and drinks. Walkers, who are asked to commit to raising £250, will also receive a finishers’ medal and an EACH technical T-shirt.
For more details, head here.
