Walk for Ella makes a splash in new pool fundraising bid

Supporters arrive at Woodfield School, Leverstock Green, after walking from Northchurch to raise funds to improve the school therapy pool. Sarah Bedford is holding her daughter Ella, aged 4

Sarah Bedford, 24, of Aston Clinton, was joined by 11 staff from Castle Montessori Nursery off Shooter’s Way in Berkhamsted on Saturday before they walked to Woodfield School in Malmes Croft, Hemel Hempstead.

Sarah’s daughter Ella, four, is one of only 80 children in the entire world that suffers from GAMT synthesis deficiency disorder, meaning her body doesn’t produce creatine.

This causes her to have seizures every five minutes which have to be controlled by 12 sets of medication each day.

In September the youngster will start at the special needs school, which is trying to raise £1million to pay for the much-needed refurbishment of its hydrotherapy pool.

Sarah said: “This pool changes these children’s lives in such a massive way. Even if they can’t swim, they can have fun and play despite their disabilities. I’m so proud Ella’s nursery is taking part.”

A message on the nursery’s Just Giving page says: “We have had the privilege of seeing Ella grow into a wonderful little girl who takes all of life’s challenges in her stride.

“We will miss her terribly when she moves on to ‘big school’ and we’re helping raise money for the pool that will benefit both Ella and all the children at Woodfield.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/team-sunhill to donate.