Pollyanna's Walk

Over the UK's highest peaks
on 2nd/3rd June 2002

 Pollyanna
CLICK HERE to make a donation to The Jennifer Trust on line



In February 2001 our six-week old daughter, Pollyanna, was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. S.M.A. is a genetic disorder preventing messages issued by the brain from reaching the different parts of the body. The result is major paralysis of the muscles in and around the torso of the individual, leading to limited limb movement and difficulty in breathing. It also meant that in Pollyanna's case, the consultant gave her very little chance of survival beyond 18 months. Currently there is no known cure.

On the 22 May 2001, Pollyanna died peacefully in our arms aged five months and two days.

The defective (or mutant) gene is present in 1 in 50 people. If both parents have inherited this mutated gene is there a 1 in 4 chance of any offspring being born with S.M.A.. Janeen and myself share this experience of living with a "genetic time-bomb" with hundreds of other families throughout the United Kingdom.

Our time with Pollyanna was painfully short. However during this time our family has been extremely lucky in receiving enormous amounts of help and generosity from all members of Huddersfield NHS Trust in ensuring that our time was special and precious. Words cannot express our gratitude to everyone involved, but we know that Pollyanna touched the hearts of everyone she met.

Since Pollyanna‘s diagnosis, we have had exceptional community/home care and the availability of vital equipment such as feeding pumps, suction machines and sensory toys free of charge. I have discovered that not all families in similar circumstances have been as lucky as us. Indeed, many others have no support whatsoever after diagnosis and are left to fend for themselves. The Jennifer Trust was founded by such a mother to provide support for families who have been affected by S.M.A.. The trust is also committed to helping research into effective treatment and potential cures for the future.

We have a lot of fond memories of Pollyanna and her life was special. Her life has inspired me to become involved in raising awareness of S.M.A. nationally and in supporting the role of the Jennifer Trust, a registered charity, through sponsored events.

Therefore, in conjunction with some of my close friends we have decided to undertake the challenge of climbing the 3 highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales (Scafell, Ben Nevis and Snowdon) within a time limit of 36 hours. At the same time, we hope to raise as much money for the Jennifer Trust as possible. We will set off from Ben Nevis youth hostel at around 1.30pm on Sunday 2 June 2002 (just after the England v Sweden match!), and are aiming to have descended Snowdon by 9.00pm on Monday. If you would like to help in any way, would like more details of the event or simply make a donation, then please do not hesitate to contact either myself or the Jennifer Trust.

Paul Turner

Tel: 01484 687179 (home)
or 0161 474 5358 (work)

email: paul.turner@stockport.gov.uk
or pjturner@talk21.com

or
Mike McDonagh, (JTSMA Fundraising Manager)

Tel: 01789 267520
Fax: 01789 268371

Email: mike@jtsma.org.uk, please quote "Pollyanna‘s Walk".



Thank you for your generosity and support.



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JTSMA March 2002