Six-year-old from Corby completes charity challenge for sister

A six-year-old from Corby has taken on a challenge to raise funds for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People who look after her younger sister.

Five-year-old Evelyn was referred to Rainbows in 2017 by Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Now her sister Olivia has used her pedal power to support the charity by taking part in the #Rainbows5K and cycling double the distance required.

Mum Claire said: “We ended up at the Leicester Royal Infirmary for end-of-life care and we had the choice of staying in hospital or going to Rainbows.

“We didn’t want to go to Rainbows at first, our world had been turned upside down when Evelyn was taken ill but they reached out to us and offered us support.

"We now attend their family fun days, which are great as they give us a chance to meet other families in similar situations.

"We also have short breaks a couple of times a year at the hospice.

“Olivia wanted to take on the challenge for Rainbows as a way of saying thank you.

"She also wanted a shiny medal and liked the look of the limited edition one you get when taking part in this challenge.

"She knew I was supporting Rainbows this year by taking on the Great North Run and she wanted to do her bit.”

Everyone who takes part in the challenge will receive a special limited edition medal. Entry is £20.

Nancy Lillington, Rainbows’ events manager, said: “We are really grateful to Olivia for taking on this challenge to help families who are in a similar situation.

"We want our supporters to get involved and help spread the smiles as they complete the miles.

"Whether this is done in one go or over multiple days is completely up to each individual.

“The medals have kindly been donated to us, so 100 per cent of entry fees will go towards the vital work we do here at the hospice, supporting children and young people with a life-limiting condition and their families.

"We’d love it if people would also raise money while taking part in the challenge too.”

For more information about Rainbows click here

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