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Southport girl with cerebral palsy to take on fundraising walk challenge this Christmas
10 seconds ago
A teenage girl with cerebral palsy from Southport is taking on a fundraising challenge in the 12 days leading up to Christmas.
Ella Bowles will aim to complete a sponsored walk at Victoria Park in Southport, walking 3km each day, and 36km in total.
She plans to finish her fundraising journey on Christmas Eve.
Ella is unable to walk without either a wheelchair or a walker.
She said this ambitious challenge will be:
“Further than I have ever walked before, and a significant achievement for me”.
She is determined to raise as much money as she can for Dandelion Days, a non-for-profit enterprise based in Scarisbrick, near Southport, whose horses help children and adults to cope with anxiety, depression, confidence issues and general mental health wellbeing with the help of their lovely horses through Equine Assisted Learning
Ella said:
“I have moderate cerebral palsy, which affects my mobility in several ways, and as a result I am unable to walk unaided and rely on either a wheelchair or a walker.
“This December, I will be taking on a major personal challenge to test my endurance.
“In the twelve days leading up to Christmas, from 13th to 24th December 2025, I plan to complete a daily sponsored walk, aiming to walk 3km per day – 36km in total. If you see me there, please come and say hello!
“This would be further than I have ever walked before, and a significant achievement for me.
“I am completing this challenge to raise funds and awareness for Dandelion Days, a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Scarisbrick.
“Dandelion Days specialises in equine facilitated therapy and learning, helping children, young people and adults build confidence, self-esteem and emotional wellbeing through meaningful experiences with horses and nature.
“Dandelion Days has had a life changing impact on me personally.
“I began as a service user at a time when I struggled with confidence and self belief. Over time, the support I received helped me build the strength to become a volunteer myself, and now I see every day the difference the organisation makes to so many vulnerable people.
“I am on a journey to raise £1,000 for a cause that is close to my heart.
“What is driving me? My passion has always been horses.
“My love for horses began at the age of two when I first rode donkeys to help develop my core strength.
“Riding ponies followed, which helped stretch my tight legs and reduce pain especially after operations, but more important to me, it gave me a feeling of acceptance and relaxation.
“Two years ago, I discovered the incredible Dandelion Days dedicated to supporting individuals through their work with horses.
“After participating in one of their courses as a Christmas gift – yes they are very special needs friendly – I was instantly hooked by their mission.
“They empower and support people, regardless of age or ability, through meaningful interactions with horses.
“Everyone at Dandelion Days has welcomed me and I am just one of the team. They help me do some things but I have found out I can lead a pony to a field in my walker by myself!
“Before joining Dandelion Days, I struggled with confidence and often felt uneasy being away from home.
“Today, I am proud to say that I am a Dandelion Days volunteer – truly my dream job!
“I am currently studying animal management, and my hope is that in the future I will be able to help others in the same way that Dandelion Days has helped me.
“I am sincerely grateful for any support you can provide. Every donation counts and makes a significant difference in our ability to continue this vital work.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity; it means the world to me.”
To support Ella’s appeal please click here.
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