March 2018 | 13
Sam thought her eyes were playing tricks but then Amy moved again , just the slightest movement in her leg . Sam just burst into tears . From then on , every time Amy did something new it was like she was proving those early predictions wrong .
In 2012 , Amy took her very first steps on Christmas Day , which was incredibly special because her parents were told she may not make it to her first birthday , and that if she did , there was a high chance she would be paralysed for life as a result of her condition .
After the fantastic care and treatment given to Amy by GOSH , of this incredibly rare condition , Amy has now gone on to make a full recovery – but Christmas remains a really special time for the family after seeing Amy reach a milestone they could only dream of … cycling events , a sport which he thoroughly enjoys . “ When I am cycling it feels like I am in my own little world , a bit of escapism , and something I really love ” says Darren . In 2015 he rode the London to Paris event over 3 days , covering around 240 miles ! In 2016 he then took part in the Prudential RideLondon event raising an amazing £ 3,854.94 for the Charity !
However , it doesn ’ t end there ! In 2015 Darren and Sam were delighted on the arrival of their second daughter Mia . After an anxious pregnancy , Mia was born in November , two weeks early by caesarean section . Although the delivery went well , it soon transpired that Mia also had the same rare neurological disease ( CIDP ) like her sister Amy . Although it is not genetic , it makes it more outstanding that they both have it . It is also very rare for babies to have it from birth . This has made them the 1st case in the world to have the same condition , in the same family . Amy is the 4th child in the world that GOSH are aware of to have been born showing signs of this rare condition .
Darren has also signed up for this year ’ s Prudential RideLondon in July , where he will join over 700 other riders , who will all pedal 100 miles through the streets of London and Surrey to raise money for GOSH Charity who are the official charity for this year ’ s event . All money being raised this year will go towards funding Parent Accommodation which will enable the parents of seriously ill children treated at GOSH to be a moment ’ s notice away from their bedsides . Darren and Sam both used parent accommodation whilst Amy and Mia were at GOSH so they are well aware of how valuable it is .
To sign up to take part in Ride London and raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children ’ s Charity please visit www . gosh . org / ridelondon
Because of the outstanding care and treatment given to Darren and Sam ’ s daughters at Great Ormond Street Hospital , Darren wanted to try and help , by giving something back . He therefore wanted to help raise money for GOSH Charity and did that by taking part in various
With a happy ending , both girls have gone on to make a full recovery , although Mia , now 2 is still under Great Ormond Street Hospital ’ s care , but is doing really well . Amy , now 6 is at school and is thriving , and is into everything says Darren and Sam , she even loves singing and dancing and doing little shows for them . She ’ s so energetic , she ’ s constantly on the move , but Darren and Sam wouldn ’ t have it any other way !