Amelie is a 14-year-old superhero! She has spent her entire life fighting against the odds to achieve as much independence as possible. Despite living with epilepsy, global developmental delay, bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria in her brain, and a genetic condition, Amelie has thrived. She can hold her head up, eat and drink, pull herself up from lying to sitting, lean forward, shake her head to say "No," kick her legs in happiness, and wave her arms to dance—just to name a few of her amazing abilities.

When Amelie was younger, she worked hard to transition from sitting to standing and even took steps with the help of 2–3 people. She was incredibly proud of these achievements. However, as she grew bigger, this became unsafe for her.

Amelie had the opportunity to trial the Innowalk at home and loved it. Thanks to a charity and the generosity of others, including our family, funds were raised to purchase the Innowalk. Amelie now uses it daily at school and during holidays. Most days, she accomplishes the equivalent of a marathon for someone with her disabilities. Amelie continues to fundraise while using the Innowalk, demonstrating the superhero she truly is. This equipment has made her stronger, fitter, and healthier—and as her mum, I know it’s been essential in building a healthier future for her.

Amelie also wants to be sponsored for the physically challenging work she does to stay healthy. Her activities include weekly hydropool sessions with physiotherapy exercises, rebound therapy a few times a week, wearing her 2nd Skin, leg gaiters, and arm gaiters (mainly during school and as homework in the holidays), and performing her own spectacular daily sit-ups! She does all of this with incredible enthusiasm, and it’s a privilege to be her mum.

What We’re Fundraising For

We are raising money to cover:

The cost of servicing, yearly warranties, and repairs for Amelie’s Innowalk.

The yearly warranty for the lift that allows Amelie to access her bedroom and bathroom.

Repairs, renewals, or servicing for Amelie’s hydrobath, which helps her sensory needs, supports her muscles, and improves her sleep. Her hydrobath is one of her favorite activities.

Servicing and repairs for her private hoists. Amelie has two hoists throughout the house, which are essential for her daily life. The county provided one hoist, but ceiling track hoists in the bathroom and lounge are crucial for her to access the hydrobath and Innowalk.

Additional Needs

A new car deposit. The deposit is not included in the DLA, so we’ll be raising money for this.

Holiday support. Amelie needs extra equipment to travel, so we’re raising money for a second car or a taxi service to assist us or cover the deposit for a larger vehicle to accommodate her needs.

Sensory activities. Amelie has vestibular sensory needs and enjoys activities that fulfill these. Fundraising will help us continue to provide these experiences.

Thank you so much for your continued support! Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a big difference in Amelie’s life and helps her continue to shine as the superhero she is.

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.