Natalie has triumphed over immense challenges and is once again proving her resilience by embarking on a new challenge to support our Spring Forward Challenge 2024.
Natalie has Down Syndrome and battled COVID in 2020, which included 15 days on a ventilator and multiple bouts of pneumonia. She recovered with great bravery and set herself a goal to walk 39 steps, raising over £3,000 for East Kent Mencap.
Natalie is now back with a new challenge as part of our Spring Forward Challenge 2024 fundraiser. She plans to conquer another 39 steps, this time without her walker, to raise essential funds for East Kent Mencap, which she has been attending for over 10 years.
Our Spring Forward Challenge provides a platform for individuals with a learning disability to set personal goals and raise crucial funds for much-needed equipment and resources.
Speaking about her latest challenge, Natalie said, “I have decided to walk 39 steps without the aid of my walker for my Spring Forward Challenge. I want to inspire others to take up a challenge and get involved.”
Maria, Senior Support Worker at East Kent Mencap, Ramsgate Hub, who supported Natalie throughout her COVID hospitalisation and recovery, praised her determination. Maria said, “Natalie has shown incredible perseverance since recovering from COVID. She has overcome many challenges and her decision to take on this challenge is inspiring to everyone.”
Natalie’s mother, Linda, shared immense pride in her daughter’s positivity. Linda shared, “I am so very proud of Natalie. We will never forget the harrowing ordeal she endured with COVID and the long road to recovery that followed. I am thrilled that she wants to challenge herself again and to raise money for such a worthy cause that has supported Natalie and so many other people with a learning disability is just fantastic.”
To support Natalie’s challenge, please visit her Go Fund Me page here https://gofund.me/cc0737af
To support other people with a learning disability with their Spring Forward Challenge and contribute to our vital work, donations can be made here.
