Emotional Scenes as Bikers Deliver 60,000 Cards to Cancer-Battling Girl
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, a young girl from the West Midlands battling cancer has been overwhelmed with joy after receiving a staggering 60,000 birthday cards, delivered in a massive biker convoy. Amelia Kolpa, aged seven, who has been fighting a rare neuroblastoma in her stomach since she was two, bravely smiled as sackfuls of cards, balloons, and gifts arrived at her home in Rowley Regis.
A Record-Breaking Birthday Wish
To celebrate her upcoming eighth birthday in March, Amelia's family set an ambitious goal to break the UK record for the most greeting cards received. Initially, her mother, Katarzyna Bartczak, aimed for 8,000 cards to secure the record. However, an online appeal quickly went viral, attracting support from well-wishers across the globe, including countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.
Within just under four weeks before her birthday on March 3, the campaign had collected an incredible 60,000 cards. These were added to the 23,000 cards already sent to the family and stored, bringing the total to over 80,000. The response was so overwhelming that it surpassed all expectations, showcasing the power of social media and human kindness.
Biker Convoy Brings Smiles and Tears
On Thursday, February 5, hundreds of bikers from across the UK rode from collection points in Stourbridge to Amelia's home a few miles away. Organised with the help of Matt Lem, also known as Lemmy from the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, the convoy delivered the cards in three vans, creating unforgettable scenes of support and solidarity.
Amelia greeted the crowds of well-wishers, managing to wave as the cards were stacked in huge piles inside her home. Her aunt, Charmaine Grace, who helped coordinate the appeal, expressed deep gratitude, saying, "There is so much love and support for my niece. It's beautiful to know that everyone out there is with us on this journey, and there's still humanity in the world."
Amelia's Journey and Future Plans
Amelia was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at a young age and has been in and out of hospital for years. Despite initially beating the cancer, it returned, and she is now receiving palliative care. Her family has been touched by the outpouring of support, with Grace noting, "Grace is so happy to have the cards, she just smiles and that is lovely."
Looking ahead, Amelia plans to open all the cards and create a huge collage to display on a wall, turning the messages of hope into a lasting tribute. This initiative not only highlights her bravery but also the incredible community effort that brought smiles during a difficult time.
Matt Lem reflected on the campaign's success, stating, "The response has been amazing and we've collected in excess of 60,000 cards. Amelia's appeal just snowballed, everyone involved has been overwhelmed by the sheer number of people wanting to help smash the target." This story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of collective kindness in the face of adversity.
