Hospice has supported daughter for 15 years.
A Northfield personnel officer is taking part in the Morrisons Great Birmingham Run for Acorns Children’s Hospice, as a thank you for the on-going support the charity provided to her family.
Catherine Robinson, 53, from Northfield, plans on pushing Sophie, 18, around the 13.1-mile track on 18th October alongside her friend Rachel, a 48-year-old chartered surveyor.
Sophie suffers from an extremely rare genetic disorder, CDKL5, which causes constant seizures and severe neuro-developmental impairment. As a result, Sophie suffers from profound learning disabilities and numerous medical problems, which mean she requires round the clock care.
Catherine commented: “Over the years, the support Acorns has provided has been invaluable. Sophie’s short breaks with Acorns were the only time I could switch off as a carer, as I knew they completely understood her needs. I’m a single parent and work full-time; the help Acorns has provided over the last 15 years really has meant everything.”
Sophie turned 18 in August and has officially outlived her prognosis. She has now left Acorns’ care, and will rely on the sole support of her school, Victoria School and Specialist Arts College, Bournville, as well as NHS complex care for a few hours every Friday.
“The Acorns transition team made the transition from children to adult services as smooth as possible. We shall really miss their support,” Catherine added.
Catherine takes Sophie out with her whenever she trains. To support Catherine’s cause, visit: www.justgiving.com/teamsophie18 To enter the Morrisons Great Birmingham Run, go to: www.greatrun.org/Birmingham