Preston family fund raising challenge to support Rainbow Hub’s 20th Birthday Virtual Ramble

The Harrison family from Ribbleton, Preston all took on personal challenges to support Rainbow Hub’s 20th Birthday Celebration Virtual Ramble.

The event took place on Saturday 24 April with the biggest achievement being by 28 month old Phoebe, who has cerebral palsy, but took 40 steps with her doll’s pram.

Mum, Keighley, ran 13.1 miles and Dad, Mark, accompanied for the half marathon on his bicycle to make it a real family challenge.

Keighley said: “Phoebe was born at 29 weeks and suffered brain damage around the time of birth which resulted in her having bilateral spastic diplegia ( cerebral palsy ) which affects her legs and right hand.

“Phoebe is 28 months old and is unable to walk at the moment so this was a massive achievement. She has been attending Rainbow Hub for 7 months – they are the only constant support Phoebe has and they have been there for us throughout the pandemic.

“When we were unable to go to the centre they supported us through three zoom sessions a week. If I struggle to understand comments or letters from health care professionals I can contact them at any time and they will explain it to me.

“They have really helped us all through the pandemic, not just Phoebe, physically but all of us emotionally. The difference in Phoebe since attending Rainbow Hub is immense and we will be forever grateful for their help.

“Taking part in fundraising like this is our way of trying to give something back. Phoebe is our CP warrior and her nickname is ‘Phoebe Shark’.”

The charity, which has been supporting children and young people with physical and neurological disabilities for 20 years, is on target to raise £10,000.

They would have loved to have a big party to celebrate their 20th birthday but cannot due to COVID restrictions.

But the fantastic virtual event, supported by JMW Solicitors and Frank Whittle Partnership, saw those who would usually take part in the Rainbow Ramble, as well as many others who wanted to support them, make a donation and enter the Virtual Rainbow Ramble.

People used their daily exercise to walk, run, or cycle the 5 or 11 miles usually undertaken for the Ramble.

Many of the children who attend Rainbow Hub also took on personal challenges including steps in Race Runners and walkers, stand up to sit down, standing for a timed period, cycling, bouncy castle jumps – all things that many of us would take for granted.

All the funds raised via this event will help the charity to continue to provide specialist support for children with disabilities, in order for them to live more active and independent lives.

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Lyndsay Fahey, CEO, Rainbow Hub, said: “We are amazed and delighted with the support we have received – it is a fantastic result and it was brilliant to see the community coming together to support a local charity.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who took part or donated, especially JMW Solicitors and Frank Whittle Partnership, and the children have been just amazing and worked so hard on their different challenges.”

Anyone who would still like to support the event can donate here.

Proud Preston. This, and many stories like it, show how the people of Preston are making a difference. Our Proud Preston section showcases all the charitable, kind, uplifting and great things about our city and the people who live here. #ProudPreston is alive and well, and there’s much to celebrate and be proud of, despite the challenging times we all face.