A COURAGEOUS schoolgirl has astonished everyone with her incredible tenacity and determination.
Aya Al Rawi is recovering from extensive major surgery on both legs and is still trying to build up her strength.
But, just a year after surgeons cut both thigh bones to realign her limbs, the 11-year-old has tackled an amazing marathon.
She has cycled 100km in a painstaking test of endurance which took eight weeks to complete.
Aya, who is originally from Cinnamon Brow, has raised thousands of pounds to thank Grappenhall Heys Primary School for supporting her since she was in nursery.
Pupils clapped and cheered as she reached the finishing line.
“This is the biggest challenge of my life, especially since my legs are not as strong as they initially were.” said Aya.
“But I’m working daily to strengthen my muscles.
“My school has gone above and beyond every year to support me.
“I will always be so grateful for what I have achieved with their love and support.
“Thank you, Grappenhall Heys, for believing in me and shaping my confidence that I am very proud of.”
Aya underwent an intricate eight-hour operation called bilateral femoral derotation.
Head teacher Kelly Jackson said: “Aya embodies our school motto of ‘aim, believe, achieve’.
“She really does not have to thank me or the school as it has been a pleasure and a privilege for us to watch her on her journey and go from strength to strength since joining us in nursery.
“In more than 20 years in education I cannot think of another child who has inspired adults and peers alike, nor anyone who has a more infectious smile.
“She has a special place in all of our hearts and with her recent fundraising efforts will leave a lasting legacy at our school before she moves onto high school, which will be to the benefit of future generations of children at our school.
“I am a very proud head teacher.”
Aya weighed only 1lb 2oz when she was born prematurely at just 26 weeks.
Mum Yussur Al Chokhdar, 42, a university teacher from Knutsford, said: “I used to hold her in the palm of my hands and feed her with feeding tubes.
“It was so emotional, she was so fragile.”
Aya’s name means ‘miracle’ in Arabic.
Doctor diagnosed cerebral palsy but her disability has never held her back.
Devoted parents Yussur and husband Ali Al Rawi, an architect, do all they can to support Aya.
Every summer they take her to the Napa Centre in Los Angeles, a world renowned pediatriac therapy centre, which offers intensive sessions.
“We have been taking Aya there since she was one,” said Aya.
“She will never be able to walk without a frame but we are trying our best to keep her on her feet.
“The amount of energy and effort she exerts to walk is three times a normal person.”
Unwavering Aya ice skates every week with sister Misk, 15, and has even performed in shows.
“Her sister is her strength and inspiration,” said Yussur.
“It is just remarkable to see Aya perform. It has really boosted her confidence.
“Aya has a big heart and a big mind. She is very strong.
“Our aim is see her become more independent.
“We are so proud of what she has achieved.
“She is our life.”
To donate visit gf.me/v/c/glqp/super-aya-saving-her-school
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