Super Grannies on the Scooters
Seven men dressed as grannies will be travelling from Preston FC to Blackpool Town Centre on June 25th to support eleven-year-old Freya Bailey from Irlam, Manchester, who was born with two holes in her heart and has cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
Last year ‘the grannies’ raced from Anfield to Old Trafford to raise funds for Freya’s specialised physiotherapy, which is not available on the NHS and costs around £1000 per month.
This will be the Scooter Grannies fifth event. And the mode of transport is the same as before – children’s scooters. In previous years, Darren and his colleagues have scooted from Irlam to Blackpool, Irlam to Chester, Huddersfield to Irlam and Anfield to Old Trafford. They are sponsored by 20 local businesses, who sponsor the race. The money raised by this event will cover physio for around the next five to six months.
Darren said: “As ever I’m grateful to all my loyal mates who take part in Scooter Grannies every year, as well as the local businesses and individuals who donate money to help Freya. The funds raised continue to provide physiotherapy and essential equipment for Freya to make life as comfortable and pain free as possible.”
“As well as her ongoing physiotherapy, which costs £240 each week, I am constantly having to buy or upgrade equipment as she grows and her needs change – recently I’ve spent £3,000 on a off-road buggy so we can do things like go for walks in the woods. She’s nearly 12 now and will be wanting more independence, so I’m keen to get her an electric wheelchair but that can be anything from £12,000 to £20,000.”
“This year we are hoping to be granted a street collection licence so that we can raise even more money along the way.”
‘Thank you to everyone involved, family, friends, Scootergrannies, support team, local business sponsors and the local community for still keeping Freya in your thoughts. ‘ ‘There is no cure for cerebral palsy, no magic wand just a family’s resilience against the odds to raise the funds trying to give Freya the best they can. This has been made easier and more pleasurable with the friends and family I have around me.’
To donate to Freya’s fund, visit Tree of Hope
