May 18, 2016 10.55 am
This story is over 90 months old
Lincoln sign experts to complete gruelling challenge for children with life-changing illnesses
Two Lincoln fundraising appeals are in line for a significant boost as staff from Allen Signs are set to complete a bike ride from London to Paris. Managing Director David Allen, and Account Executive David Walker, will join a group of fellow volunteers in attempting to complete the 190-mile journey in 24 hours on May 28.…
David Walker and David Allen from Allen Signs who are cycling over 190 miles from London to Paris for charity. Photo: Shooting Star
Two Lincoln fundraising appeals are in line for a significant boost as staff from Allen Signs are set to complete a bike ride from London to Paris.
Managing Director David Allen, and Account Executive David Walker, will join a group of fellow volunteers in attempting to complete the 190-mile journey in 24 hours on May 28.
Money raised from the Alfie Fisher Man Challenge will be split evenly between the ‘For the Love of Lilly’ appeal and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
The challenge is named after eight-year-old Lincoln boy Alfie Fisher, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, a life-limiting inherited condition caused by a faulty gene which sees mucus gather in the lungs and digestive system.
Alfie Fisher. Photo: The Alfie Fisher Man Challenge
The fundraisers will also be helping the mother of a five-year-old Lincoln girl suffering from cerebral palsy to buy life-changing equipment which will allow her daughter to communicate with family and friends.
Lilly Desforges from Cherry Willingham was diagnosed with the condition when she was less than a year old.
The condition severely affects her movement and co-ordination, and means that she struggles to communicate.
She cannot speak but has the cognitive abilities of a five-year-old and becomes frustrated at her inability to express herself.
Lilly has recently started using an eye gaze aid at school which she has been able to effectively communicate with staff and other children through.
Now, Lilly’s family want to purchase their own advanced eye-operated communication equipment, so that she can have her own voice and independence.
Five-year-old Lilly Desforges, who suffers from cerebral palsy
Lilly’s mum, Leona Desforges, said: “There is so much we would love Lilly to be able to do, however we have accepted that things for Lilly will never be simple, such things as riding a bike, as many five-year-olds are perfecting at this very moment will never be a reality for her.
There is equipment designed specifically for children with Lilly’s needs, however it is very expensive, as we have found with anything that makes her little life easier.
“Something like this would be an amazing asset in her life giving her a chance to play!”
A fundraising page has been set up, with just under £4,000 having been raised so far towards the £5,000 target.
David Walker said: “This will be my third year raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. I’m Alfie’s godfather, so the Alfie Fisher Man Challenge is something that is very close to my heart.
The money we raise will help to improve Lilly’s lifestyle and those who are affected by cystic fibrosis – both of which are great reasons to get involved.
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While incidents in local games may be rare, the voices of three referees in Lincolnshire underline a stark reality — the need for more action and enhanced education.
The issue is very topical this week after Tom Foley’s decision to step away from international match officiating for the foreseeable future after a “torrent of criticism and abuse,” but will continue to officiate in the Premiership.
Lincolnshire’s healthcare is preparing for winter with projects like acute respiratory hubs to address the expected surge in demand at this time of the year.
Rebecca Neno, Winter Director for the Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, stressed the significance of these hubs for local respiratory care, addressing the NHS’s recurrent winter challenges. The Clinical Assessment Service, via the 111 helpline, swiftly connects Lincolnshire callers to local clinicians for home assessments.