Sumburgh security team set to walk 25 miles in aid of ‘Phenomenal Phoebe’
Group of ten to trek from airport to town for charity on 11 July
A DEDICATED team of Sumburgh security staff are set to trek 25 miles from the airport to Lerwick next month to raise money for a brave child with muscular dystrophy.
Ten folk will tackle the long walk to town from the South Mainland on Saturday 11 July in aid of Phoebe Polson, who was diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy aged just five.
The charity event has been organised by Asia Leask, Phoebe’s aunt, with the aim of raising over £1,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK. You can donate to their fundraiser here.
Eighty per cent of the money raised will go towards potentially life-saving research into Phoebe’s rare condition, while the remaining 20 per cent will be kept in a “Phenomenal Phoebe” trust by Muscular Dystrophy UK to support Phoebe’s future needs.
Asia said that Phoebe was diagnosed with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) at the age of five.
FSHD is a rare and progressive muscle-wasting condition which slowly takes away the ability to do everyday things, such as smiling, showing emotions, lifting your arms and walking without struggle.
Asia said that while Phoebe was navigating a world where her muscles were weakening rapidly, “her spirit stays strong”.
“Phoebe is the definition of strength,” she said.
“She’s incredibly smart, bright, brave, and full of light. But behind all of that, there’s a fight going on that no child should ever have to face.”
Currently there is no cure for FSHD, with charities like Muscular Dystrophy UK relying on donations to help fund its research into the condition.
Only around 2,000 to 2,500 people are known to have FSHD, and Asia said Phoebe was the only child locally diagnosed – which made it “very important to raise awareness” about the condition.
More than £5,000 was raised for Muscular Dystrophy UK last month by prolific fundraiser Kathryn Fullerton and her team, who walked from Lerwick to Scalloway.
Phoebe took part in the walk in an all-terrain wheelchair, and also had the honour of picking out the winning ticket for the raffle too.
Phoebe’s mum Vanessa said it was “amazing and overwhelming to see so many involved and taking part”.
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