Disabled girl, 3, who defied doctors by walking to raise £14,000 for NHS heroes takes first steps unaided
A DISABLED girl who defied doctors by walking to raise money for the NHS has taken her first steps unaided – and had a message from national treasure Capt Tom.
We told last week how adorable Daisy Briggs, three, who was born with the spinal condition Spina Bifida, was using a frame to walk 25 metres a day while wearing a different colour of the rainbow outfit.
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She was inspired by hero Captain Tom and initially set out to raise £100 to mark his 100th birthday but she has smashed through that and has now raised almost £15,000.
But there has been double delight after mum Rea, 34, revealed to The Sun how she was now walking unaided and had been left in tears after Capt Tom tweeted his best wishes.
Rea, from Sutton, south London, said: “Before Daisy was born we were told she would be in a vegetative state and that she would never walk but she has gone way beyond that and shown how tough she is.
“The aim was to walk 25m a day with her frame which she did but now she is taking independent steps without any help from anyone and that is the icing on the cake.
“At first during the walk it was one or two metres in her own without her frame but now it’s around eight, admittedly it’s a bit wobbly but it is an amazing achievement.
“Then to see that Capt Tom had recognised her fund raising was such a fantastic feeling.”
Capt Tom tweeted: “Lovely to hear about your rainbow walk for @NHSUK, Daisy.
Well done on an incredible effort and spreading joy as you go.”
Rea said: “He’s an absolute legend. Amazing. We were so honoured he took the time to say that to Daisy.”
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LITTLE TROOPER
Daisy, who spent her first five weeks of life in St Georges Hospital, Tooting, battled suspected meningitis/ sepsis in the neonatal ward having her first operation at just 17 hours old.
At four weeks old she had a shunt fitted after being diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the brain.
Little trooper Daisy then had two further brain surgeries and three other surgeries but proud Rea said she “remains the happiest little girl in the world”.
Payroll clerk turned carer Rea added tearfully:”When we think back to what the doctors told us before she was born and even afterwards it is just such an achievement and we are over the moon.
“Her muscles are still building up and we have told the doctors what she is doing as she can’t see them because of the lockdown situation and they are delighted and are telling us to keep going.
“When you see her walking even just eight steps unaided it makes me so emotional and I’m so glad we started the fundraiser and have decided to carry on with it.
“Officially we were going to stop last week when Capt Tom had his birthday but we are going to carry it on and see how far she can go – if we could get to 30m a day that would be great.
“After being in The Sun and on social media we had loads of people donate and she is even recognised when we go for our walk in the park and she always smiles and waves.
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“It just shows there are some lovely people out there and some even applaud Daisy as they see her walking.”
Money raised will go to the NHS Charities Together which supports staff and volunteers who are looking after this affected by coronavirus.
If you would like to donate, visit Daisy’s rainbow walk for the NHS fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/daisys-rainbow-walk
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