Hucknall family gear up for a year of fundraising to make dreams come true for seriously ill children

Mandy Sims, 54, has been raising money for When You Wish Upon a Star since daughter Abbie finished treatment for a massive brain tumour which was discovered when she was seven years old.

As she endured a traumatic series of operations and chemotherapy, the charity arranged for Abbie to meet her favourite band, McFly.

When the tumour returned, Abbie underwent another operation which left her practically blind at age 14, the charity flew her to Lapland at Christmas.

Mandy said: “I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it has been for families in similar situations over the last year managing their child’s illness alongside the extra worry and further isolation of Covid 19.

“Just knowing that people care enough to help out in such difficult times for all of us is, in itself, a truly wonderful thing.”

She added: “So far we have helped fulfill the wishes of over 24 children to go and see Santa Claus at his home in Lapland.

“Our hope is that in December 2021 we will once again be able to send a very poorly child on this trip, giving them a positive focus and providing lasting memories for their family.”

The biggest challenge Mandy has set herself this year is to run 1,215 miles, the equivalent distance of the End-to-End trail from Land’s End to John O’Groats. For good measure, she will also walk a virtual return journey.

That should be good preparation for her attempt to complete the Great North Run dressed as a giant star in September.

Family friend Mark Briggs is taking on a sponsored run of 874 miles, and more friends and family will be gathering for a half-marathon walk in around Moorgreen and Watnall in July – public health restrictions permitting.

Mandy said: “When You Wish Upon A Star is celebrating 31 years of wish granting and we are so proud to play a small part in that amazing story, every year we have managed to exceed our target thanks to people’s amazing support and generosity.”

To donate, go to https://bit.ly/3byXxJo.

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