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💖 ALL MONEY RAISED WILL GO TO THE ALDER CENTRE AT ALDER HEY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL 💖

Now let me tell you our story. 

I’m Jo, my 12 year old daughter Lucy has asked me if she can do this fundraising event in memory of her dear friend Grace, also known as Grad or Rat Queen by her friends. 

Back on 23rd May 2021 Lucy was on a FaceTime call with Grace when a tragic accident struck and Grace was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Sadly 5 days later on 28th May 2021 at just 11 years old, Grace passed away. 

Our worlds were torn apart, Lucy suffered PTSD and later I was diagnosed with Secondary Trauma. 

In July 2021 Lucy and myself were introduced to the Alder Centre. Lucy has been receiving play therapy from our counsellor every week since. 

Things were tough, Lucy started to have seizures, was mild self harming and losing weight. She started high school which brought many challenges in itself however she still continues every week to look forward to therapy and walk out with a smile on her face.

Lets not forget to talk about her therapist’s dog, who has also been there week in, week out to help Lucy through this traumatic time of her life too. The therapists dog doesn’t have a name, it’s up to the child to give her a name.. Lucy calls her ‘she who must not be named’, myself I thought she looked like a ‘Tikki’ much to Lucy’s dismay! She’s such a lovely dog even if buying her squeaky toys may have distracted her a couple of times though 🤷‍♀️🤣 oOps! 

With help and support given each week Lucy’s seizures have become less and she has now started to become the happy smily Lucy we all know and love. Although with some hurdles still to cross, with time this will come. 

As for myself, throughout this time I have also received counselling off the same counsellor and still currently receiving those sessions. 

Sadly in October 2021 we had another punch in the heart, my cousins 7 year old son, Chance, became very poorly with a short illness and just a few weeks later in November he lost his battle and gained his angel wings also at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Family are once again receiving support from the Alder Centre. 

When Lucy asked me if we could climb a mountain starting at midnight for Grace and Chance in aid of the Alder Centre, one part of me thought ‘are you insane girl?’ The other part of me cried with pride, she’s still always thinking of others. 

These past 11 months we’ve walked side by side, and we will continue to walk side by side up a mountain on 30th April. 

Please support our trek as the money raised is so important to keep these services going, which I can only hope that no one has to use. 

Thank you, love and peace to you all xxx

* 👆Picture of Lucy stroking the horses that took Grace on her final journey* 

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