Lily Blackburn was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and autism at the age of two when doctors said she may never walk independently.
Yet she is preparing to climb the highest peak in north Wales to raise funds for Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green.
Lily has already completed many fundraising walks over the years, totalling £63,000 so far.
Now she is setting her sights even higher and could be reaching the £100,000 fundraising milestone by climbing the 3,000ft peak for her 13th birthday on September 20.
Lily, from Waltham Abbey, said: “I’ve always been inspired to make a difference in the world.
“I walked 15km when I was seven to raise money for Haven House. It was tough but I learned how powerful determination can be.
“Now, I want to push myself further to help more children who need support — just like I once did.”
Haven House has helped hundreds of children with complex medical needs, with therapies and emotional support for their families.
Rebecca Hancock, community officer at Haven House, said: “Lily embodies the courage and compassion we see every day in the young people and families we support.
“Her story is one of resilience and hope and we’re incredibly proud to be part of her journey.”
Lily hopes her story will inspire others to support the hospice and says anyone regardless of circumstances can “help make a difference”.
Haven House provides specialist nursing care, respite care, activities, therapies, counselling and end-of-life care when needed, either at home, in the hospice or in hospital in families’ preferred place of care, covering north east London, west Essex and east Hertfordshire.
But it has to rely on public donations to meet its costs.
The hospice, in High Road, needs £6 million this year alone, just to keep going.
Only a third of its income is from NHS and statutory government sources.
To donate to Lily’s fundraiser, go to justgiving.com/page/lilyswalkforhavenhouse.
