Even though COVID-19 meant the 2020 HBF Run for a Reason was cancelled, Hannah’s House was lucky enough to have more than 20 people, including young Emily who still participated on their own to raise funds and awareness for Hannah’s House. Together our lovely team raised over $8300, but the star of the show was Emily and her BBF Ben, who both have Cerebral Palsy. This is Emily’s story.
“My name is Emily and I’m 7 years old. Tomorrow {23 May 2020} I’m walking 4km as part of the Hannah’s House team in HBF Run for a Reason – (I’m going to miss Sunday’s rain!).
Scarlett is my reason 🙂 I met Scarlett last year when I went to Sydney for some therapy. She has one of the biggest smiles and is so cute! I know that things can be tough, but I like that little things I do, like sending her messages, helps make her happy. Scarlett’s mum Kate tells me that Hannah’s House is wonderful and has actually helped quite a few people I know.
I have cerebral palsy and walk with sticks outside, so walking 4 km is going to be tough. I’m really grateful that some of my friends are going to come and walk laps round the block with me – I’ve got six to do and I’m planning on resting between every couple. If you live near Salter Point watch out for me!”
Saturday 23rd May was an unusually warm late-Autumn day so lots of people joined Emily on her walk around the block for Hannah’s House – 6 laps worth! But our hearts melted when we met eight-year-old Ben who also has Cerebral Palsy and wanted to join in by walking a lap around the block in his walking frame.
Emily’s lovely Mum Necole writes:
“We loved doing HBF Run for a Reason at home. We met lots of the extended neighbourhood while out walking and in the process, they learned a little about cerebral palsy and Hannah’s House. I’ve heard such positive things from the people we know who have received help from Hannah’s House so it really feels right supporting them.
Completing the walk gave Emily a huge sense of accomplishment – in her words she felt happy and good that she could help other people.
Emily blitzed the 4km walk in around 1 hour 45 minutes. I thought we’d take a bit more time from around the halfway mark, but it wasn’t until the last lap that she started to complain of sore feet! It helped that we had a variety of friends come and show their support by walking with us. This included school friends, cousins and friends we’ve made through other activities.
Ben and Em adore each other – after meeting at various services it was symmetry when we got adjacent swimming lessons!”
Special thanks also to Stephen Heath Photography for the amazing photos in this video, to everyone who came along on the day and donated. Music Credit: Scott Holmes
