A seven-year-old girl from Herefordshire is preparing to tackle a muddy 3km obstacle course next month to raise money for the hospital charity that supported her family during a medical crisis. Eva-Rae will take on the Junior Wolf Run, a challenging route filled with water crossings, rope climbs, and monkey bars, all to benefit Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal, the charity that supports Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.
Baby Sister's Critical Illness
The charity stepped in when Eva-Rae's baby sister, Lily, became critically ill at just four weeks old. Lily contracted whooping cough and pneumonia, conditions that required her to spend eight days on life support in the intensive care unit. The ordeal was traumatic for the entire family, who faced the prospect of being separated from their newborn daughter and sister during a life-threatening health battle.
During this difficult time, Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal provided emergency accommodation near the hospital, allowing Eva-Rae's parents to stay close to Lily's ward. They also supplied free tickets to local attractions so that Eva-Rae and her brother could spend quality time together away from the clinical environment, offering a much-needed respite from the stress of the hospital setting.
A Personal Mission
Eva-Rae has been training for the event by participating in summer park runs with her mother, Jessica. Jessica shared insights into Eva-Rae's motivation and preparation. “Eva was affected by Lily’s illness and found that time very hard. Being separated from her new baby sister was upsetting, but she was always amazed by the hospital, the staff and the charity,” Jessica said. “Eva’s always loved challenging herself, and before a few months ago hadn’t run before. This is a new challenge and one she will find hard, but she’s an incredible girl who is very determined. We found the Wolf Run online, and we chose it because it involved so much mud and obstacles.”
The Junior Wolf Run course is designed for children and includes a variety of obstacles that test endurance, strength, and agility. Eva-Rae will need to cross water hazards, scale rope climbs, and navigate monkey bars, all while running through muddy terrain. The event is scheduled for September 12 and September 13 in Warwickshire, offering two opportunities for Eva-Rae to complete the challenge.
Supporting the Cause
Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal is the official charity of Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, providing vital support for young patients and their families. The charity funds medical equipment, family accommodation, and sibling support services, ensuring that families can stay together during healthcare crises. Eva-Rae's fundraiser aims to give back to the organization that made a difference in her sister's recovery and her family's well-being.
Those wishing to support Eva-Rae can donate through her JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/eva-rae-brand-and-lily. Additionally, individuals interested in participating in the Wolf Run themselves can sign up at https://thewolfrun.com. The Wolf Run is a series of obstacle courses held across the UK, designed for both adults and children, with a focus on fun and challenge.
Family's Gratitude
The family remains grateful for the support they received during Lily's illness. Eva-Rae's determination to help others reflects the compassion and resilience she developed through the experience. Her mother noted that Eva-Rae often speaks about the hospital staff and the charity workers who helped her sister. This fundraiser is Eva-Rae's way of showing her appreciation and contributing to a cause that holds deep personal meaning.
Lily has since recovered and is now a healthy toddler, but the family continues to remember the critical weeks when the charity's assistance was crucial. Eva-Rae's run not only raises funds but also raises awareness about the importance of hospital charities and the difference they make in the lives of seriously ill children and their families.
