A seven-year-old girl, who has been battling life-changing medical conditions that cause her to stop breathing, is taking part in a charity event to thank hospital staff who have helped her.
On November 9, Charlotte Drinkwater, from Darwen, will join other families at Manchester’s Heaton Park for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity’s sponsored Lantern Walk.
Alongside her family, Charlotte, also known as Charlie, will be fundraising at the Lantern Walk to say thank you to the staff at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH) that have cared for her over recent years.
Charlie has a combination of complicated medical conditions that lead her to stop breathing on an almost daily basis and at times go into cardiac arrest.
Having already been diagnosed with spina bifida while still in the womb, she remained in hospital for four weeks when she was born in 2017 before she was discharged.
She was back within the fortnight when she had started to suffer from respiratory distress.
This was the beginning of what would be almost 10 months as an inpatient at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH).
Charlie’s conditions mainly affect her respiratory system and she has undergone a variety of surgeries including to her spine and brain.
Following on from her most recent seven-month stay at RMCH for neurosurgeries between 2022 and 2023, Charlie’s health has been at an all-time high.
She is now off oxygen and her condition is so stable she no longer has to carry her resuscitation equipment at all times.
Mum Rebecca said: “At this point, we've lost count of both the surgeries and admissions she's had over her seven-plus years.
"RMCH staff have watched her grow up, grow stronger, become more determined and more independent, but they've also seen the horrors - so many surgeries, so many ICU stays, the highest highs and the lowest lows.
“They help make sure that the life she leads isn't just a life, it's a good life. She survived and she thrives because of them, and we hold no doubts that no matter what the future holds they will always be Charlie's biggest supporters.
“We are taking part in the Lantern Walk again this year because we have a daughter filled to the brim with love, cheekiness and utter chaos, who is absolutely thriving thanks to RMCH.”
The Lantern Walk will take place on Saturday. November 9, from 2pm to 6pm, with families walking around North Manchester’s Heaton Park to help fundraise for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s family of hospitals.
As the evening draws in, children can light their way with a free lantern, creating a twinkling light spectacle.
Families can choose one of two carefully curated, fully accessible routes around the park (two and five kilometres), with registered participants receiving a free lantern, worry pouch and compass courtesy of event sponsors Happy Linen and Illumina, with registration starting from £6.
Spotter sheets will also be available for children to interact with their surroundings along the route. Free family entertainment at the event will include The Night Creatures band, stilt walkers and young Manchester musician Jacey-Mae.
Food and drink stalls will also be available, with prizes for the best fundraisers.
Viv Williamson, events manager at Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, added: “The Lantern Walk is one of our favourite times of the year and it’s a lovely opportunity for the whole family to come together in the name of fundraising and experience Heaton Park as the seasons change.
"It’s always such a magical moment seeing the lanterns twinkling through the trees as the sun goes down.
“This year’s event is better than ever with added goodies for everyone taking part and some great fundraising prizes from our fantastic sponsors.
"We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has signed up to fundraise for us and it’s lovely to see so many families involved that want to say thank you for the tremendous care they’ve received from our family of hospitals.
"There’s still plenty of time to sign up and we’d encourage everyone to come along and fundraise for a great cause.”
Charlie’s fundraising journey can be followed on her JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com and searching Rebecca Barrow’s fundraiser Lantern walk '24.
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