Fundraising News
Witney mum taking on her first ever run for daughter with cerebral palsy
06 Mar 2026
A Witney mum is taking on her first running challenge to raise funds for therapies for her seven-year-old daughter to help her achieve her dream to learning to walk and keep up with her twin sister.
Willow Firth has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user. Mum Sarah, 40, an architect, is taking on the Beer and Pudding 7K in Bakewell later this month, cheered on by her Dad Michael Mellor and family who live in the town.
Sarah said: ‘Over the six years since her birth, Willow has undergone various therapies, but the most effective treatment by far was at Swimlab International, a specialist facility in Lanzarote.
‘Unfortunately, the physiotherapy and occupational therapy available to Willow on the NHS are very limited and infrequent, meaning she has reached only a few developmental milestones."
"After saving for two years, we were finally able to spend a week at Swimlab International in Lanzerote. Although it was expensive, it was worth every penny, as for the very first time, Willow was able to move all four of her limbs independently.
‘This treatment is highly concentrated, specialised, and unavailable in the UK. As such, we are working with the Tree of Hope charity to raise funds to send Willow back to Swimlab."
Willow's mum
‘With further treatment, Willow is unlikely to regain full use of her limbs, but her chances of achieving greater movement and control will significantly improve. Repetition of movement can retrain her brain to bypass damaged areas and form new connections, improving her overall motor function.
‘In addition, Willow has been offered a place for a three-week intensive therapy program at the NAPA Center in London. Last time she attended we saw a huge improvement in her movement – it was the first time we had ever seen her able to move all four limbs independently.'
"The combined therapies offered at NAPA and Swimlab International are tailored to Willows abilities and motivations. Every £10,000 we raise will allow her to attend both facilities. The dream would be to attend one of these facilities every six months. Your donations will enable Willow to access life-changing therapy at world-renowned specialist facilities."
Willow's mum
‘We’re also hoping to buy various pieces of equipment to help Willow continue the work we learned at these facilities at home.
‘She’s a happy little girl who loves to play cafes and hotels, with anyone she can rope in but especially with her twin sister Hazel. Willow can now use a walker for short periods with the help of an adult – we hope that with more therapy, she will be able to do this independently.’
Sarah is new to running and looking forward to her first challenge. She said: ‘I decided to do this because it’s a big challenge for me, though Willow faces bigger challenges every day. Plus it’s an excuse to return to my hometown and see my family. I’m looking forward to it – it sounds like a fun event! Even though being coeliac I won’t be able to enjoy the beer and pudding like the other participants!’
The family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope, which helps families raise money for children and young people like Willow for medical treatments and healthcare services not freely available to them through the NHS and social care. The charity provides fundraising guidance, campaign development, financial management, charity registration and emotional support from the Family Support team. Families like Willow’s benefit from having the support, tools and resources to fundraise effectively as well as access to gift aid, corporate support while also providing donor reassurance.
"We wish Willow and her family all the best with their fundraising activities. We are pleased to give them support in reaching their fundraising goals."
CEO
To sponsor Sarah or to donate to Willow’s fund visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/get-involved/childrens-campaigns/get-willow-walking/ or https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/race-7km-for-willow-s-physical-therapy
