Sutton schoolgirl with muscular atrophy raises £1,228 in walking challenge

Elsie Novell took 26 steps to raise money for a charity that helped with her neurological condition.

Elsie Novell, six, who has a neurological condition called spinal muscular atrophy, wanted to make the most of her time during the recent lockdown by setting herself some new goals.

She decided to take on a walking challenge to give back to the ‘Footprints Conductive Education Centre’, a charity that has helped her to manage her condition.

Elsie’s Mum, Charlotte Novell, said: “Elsie’s condition means she is unable to walk and her muscles are extremely weak.

“When she was diagnosed at 18 months old, we were told there was no treatment, and no cure, and that Elsie’s muscles would eventually waste due to lack of use.

“However, we have been very lucky that Elsie started treatment to prevent further deterioration of her condition at Great Ormond Street Hospital in January and she is now making incredible gains.”

Elsie’s treatment was then further supplemented by therapy sessions at Footprints in Nottingham.

Charlotte added: “Before Footprints’ help, Elsie could not kneel, she had lost the ability to stand, roll, and sit up straight.

“Footprints helped us to get her doing all of these things - as well as things we never thought possible like stepping.

“Despite the current situation, Footprints continued to Zoom in for our gym sessions every Saturday and it’s been wonderful to have their support.”

Recognising the need for the charity to survive the crisis created by the coronavirus outbreak, Elsie decided to set herself a tough challenge of taking 26 steps.

Through a JustGiving page, the youngster has managed to raise a total of £1,228.

Grant Worthington, Elsie’s head teacher at Mapplewells Primary and Nursery School in Sutton in Ashfield said the whole school is proud of her.

He said: “Elsie is a true inspiration to the pupils and to the staff alike. We could not be more proud of her. We look forward to all of the wonderful things Elsie will do in future.”

A nyone wishing to support the cause can visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/elsie-s-26-steps-challenge.