Warwick mum taking on walking challenge for cause close to her heart

The charity provides support for families who have a child that has been diagnosed with congenital heart disease
By Kirstie Smith, Reporter
Published 5th Jan 2021, 12:26 BST
Updated 5th Jan 2021, 16:38 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A mum from Warwick is taking on a walking challenge to help raise money for a cause close to her heart.

Katie Lawrence, who is 22, will be walking 180 miles throughout January with her 18-month-old son Acer Underhill.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: "I have decided to do a fundraiser for the charity Tiny Tickers who give support to families who's baby or child has been diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Most Popular
Katie Lawrence, who is 22, will be walking 180 miles throughout January with her 18-month-old son Acer Underhill. Photo suppliedKatie Lawrence, who is 22, will be walking 180 miles throughout January with her 18-month-old son Acer Underhill. Photo supplied
Katie Lawrence, who is 22, will be walking 180 miles throughout January with her 18-month-old son Acer Underhill. Photo supplied

"Me and my little boy will be walking 180 miles throughout January to represent the 180 pulse oximetry machines that Tiny Tickers have placed into hospitals across the UK since 2017.

"CHD affects one in every 125 babies in the UK meaning they are born with heart defects or abnormalities. This also means that last year 3,000 babies under one year of age had open heart surgery."

The charity has a special place in Katie's heart as it provided her with help and support after she found that her son had CHD.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Katie said: "My little boy, Acer, was diagnosed at my routine 20 week scan which sent my mind into turmoil - without Tiny Tickers I don't think I could have coped at all.

"Their team and website are full of information, meaning I was reassured instantly that my baby would get the best care.

"I feel so strongly about this charity, they deserve all the recognition in the world for what they do for families like mine.

"Its been the hardest two years possible, especially with Acer's two open heart surgeries, and I don't think we would have gotten through without Tiny Tickers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"After a hard 2020, like many others, if there's anyway I can help I plan to."

Katie and Acer will be walking around the local area to complete their challenge.

"We will be walking local public foot paths and a hopefully a few laps around St Nicholas Park to keep Acer occupied. As of Monday (January 4) we have covered 9.14 miles and I'm exhausted due to being pregnant but it's all worth it.

"So far we have raised £410 but we're hoping for a minimum of £500."

To donate go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/katie-lawrence180 or go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/walking-180-miles-throughout-january