A mother from Carmarthen who relies on specialist leg splints to walk is preparing for an extraordinary fundraising challenge in memory of her son, who passed away at just two-and-a-half years old.
Sian Milligan, 44, will trek through the Peruvian jungle to Machu Picchu alongside her mother Sylvia Wallace, who will be 71 at the time of the challenge. Despite living with Functional Neurological Disorder, which affects her mobility, Sian is determined to complete the 11-day, marathon-distance trek, navigating high altitude and challenging terrain.
For Sian, this is far more than a physical challenge. She is fundraising for Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in memory of her son Aled, who died in April 2009 after facing significant health challenges from birth.
Aled's remarkable life
Aled was diagnosed before birth with Down syndrome and multiple serious health conditions, including holes in his heart. He lived a short but remarkable life, full of personality and determination.
Sian's eldest son, Kyle, now 21, also faced significant health challenges as a child, including intestinal malrotation, a fractured femur, and difficulties with eating. Sian is also mother to Rhiannon, 16, who was born just three months after Aled's passing.
"Aled fought so hard to enjoy his life. He was very cheeky, full of character and always wanting to experience everything," said Sian. "And when I think about this challenge, walking up Machu Picchu is nothing compared to what both my boys went through."
Support from Tŷ Hafan
The family received invaluable support from Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice during Aled's life and beyond, something Sian describes as life-changing.
"Tŷ Hafan were wonderful with our Aled. It was a place where I could just be his mum, not his nurse," she said. "They supported all of us through everything, including helping Kyle and later Rhiannon to understand and process their grief. More families need access to the incredible care they provide."
Training despite challenges
Sian's journey is made even more remarkable due to her own health condition. Having been diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder, she now wears specialist splints to walk comfortably. Despite this, she is training rigorously, walking up to nine miles several times a week.
Sian brings the same compassion and dedication to her role as a Community Responder with Delta Wellbeing, where she supports people to remain safe, independent and well in their own homes.
Community Response Manager Sarah Poulton said: "We are incredibly proud of Sian and the inspiring challenge she is taking on. She is a truly valued member of our team; compassionate, dedicated and always going above and beyond for the people she supports. Sian's strength and determination, alongside her commitment to helping others both in her role and through this fundraising effort, makes her an inspiration to us all and a real asset to Delta Wellbeing."
Making a difference
Sian hopes to raise both awareness and funds to ensure more families in Wales can access Tŷ Hafan's vital services, which currently support only around one in 10 families who need them.
"I don't know what the future holds for me," Sian said. "But I want to stay as strong as I can and make a difference while I can."
You can support Sian's fundraising efforts for Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice by donating via her JustGiving page.
