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.

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.

Click here to donate to The Alfie Fisher Man Challenge and the nominated causes.

To donate to Lilly’s cause, visit her GoFundMe page.