Youngster with cerebral palsy raises £3k after taking first steps along sofa

Hollie Reid, age five, exceeded all expectations when she suddenly tried to stand and cruise the sofa during lockdown.

The youngster, who lives in Padgate, was born 13 weeks early with her twin sister, Rosie.

Hollie had to be resuscitated during her first two days after birth and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Mum Stephanie explained: "This means she is unable to swallow, unable to talk and has difficulty with her movements.

"When we first got told, we were told she had severe brain damage.

"They said she wouldn't be able do anything so this is more than we've ever expected."

Thanks to Hollie's strength, she will now aim to complete 100 lengths of the sofa to raise funds for her school, which her family says has been instrumental in Hollie's development.

Stephanie said: "The challenge is to do 100 lengths of the sofa in as many days as it takes her.

"She loves it because we give her loads of praise."

The family wanted to give back to Green Lane School, Woolston, to thank them for the vital work they do, both for Hollie and other children across the borough.

Stephanie continued: "We can't thank them enough.

"They just take it all in their stride, they are amazing."

Chrissy Skermer, who teaches Hollie at Green Lane School, added: "Hollie is an inspiration to us all.

"She is a very determined and resilient little girl.

"She has overcome many challenges already in her life and will not let anything get her down or stop her from doing what she wants to do.

"She is a very popular member of the Green Lane School family and has many friends at school.

"She is such an engaging little girl, with a brilliant sense of humour and is an absolute pleasure to teach."

To donate to the fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stephanie-reid.